Eddie Jones

Japan’s national coach, Eddie Jones, on Monday named former Australian rugby league star Craig Wing among a 31-strong Japan Rugby World Cup squad.

The squad is packed with imported talent for the tournament beginning next month.

Jones handed a place to former Kangaroo and New South Wales State of Origin Craig Wing, named Chiefs flank Michael Leitch – who is of Fijian origin – as captain and also included former Reds loose forward Hendrik Tui.

Australian Jones also turned to 2nd row forward Michael Broadhurst, who is the brother of 1-cap All Black lock James Broadhurst, and picked veteran New Zealand-born big man Luke Thompson, 34, who can play either in the 2nd row or at loose forward.

A day before the Brave Blossoms step on the plane to England for their final warm-up against Georgia in Gloucester on Saturday, Jones said his squad had a “nice mix of experience and youth” despite containing 20 players who will be making their tournament debut.

But Jones, who will step down after the Rugby World Cup, said “you’re asking the wrong person” when questioned about the number of imported players in his final Japan squad.

“We’ve got approximately 42 players in Japan who are capable of playing in international rugby. That’s all I can pick from,” he said.

“It’s not my job to develop international players.”

Jones recognised that 2-thirds of his squad will be getting their 1st taste of Rugby World Cup action when they tackle formidable Pool B opponents South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and United States of America and said they would have to adjust rapidly to the step up in class.

“We’ve got to take a gamble with the squad. At the end of the day, what I tried to do was to pick the best 31 players,” he said.

Jones took Australia to the 2003 World Cup final against England and he said the way his debutants cope with their surroundings would be key to Japan’s chances.

“A World Cup is like the Olympic Games. It’s normal sport taking place in an abnormal setting. You need to learn how to relax. They understand the responsibility they carry,” he said.

The Rugby World Cup begins in England on 18 September, with Japan’s opener coming against 2-time winners South Africa a day later.

Jones is bidding to reverse Japan’s dismal record at the tournament, where their sole win was against Zimbabwe in 1991.

Japan Rugby World Cup squad:

Forwards: Justin Ives, Shoji Ito, Keita Inagaki, Hitoshi Ono, Takeshi Kizu, Hendrik Tui, Luke Thompson, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Michael Broadhurst, Ryu Holani, Shota Horie, Shinya Makabe, Amanaki Mafi, Masataka Mikami, Hiroshi Yamashita, Hiroki Yuhara, Michael Leitch (Captain).

Backs: Craig Wing, Kosei Ono, Ayumu Goromaru, Male Sau, Harumichi Tatekawa, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yu Tamura, Toshiaki Hirose, Atsushi Hiwasa, Kenki Fukuoka, Yoshikazu Fujita, Karne Hesketh, Kotaro Matsushima, Akihito Yamada.

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