Rugby: All Blacks to face Japan in newly created 2022 Challenge Cup

The All Blacks haka. Photo / Photosport

The All Blacks will take on Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday 29 October for the newly created Challenge Cup 2022.

The test will precede the All Blacks' Northern Tour which involves matches against Wales, Scotland and England in November.

It will be the seventh time the All Blacks play Japan and the first test between the two countries since they met in Tokyo in 2018.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said: "Rugby in Japan has grown its profile in recent years and that's been reflected in the results of the national team, so the All Blacks will expect a tough test in Tokyo.

"We are looking forward to building on our relationship with Japan Rugby and our partner Taisho Pharmaceutical in October. Taisho's support for this fixture has been key and I have no doubt it will be a great occasion seeing the two teams play at the National Stadium."

Brave Blossoms head coach Jamie Joseph added: "Today's announcement is tremendous news that will be welcomed by our fans in Japan and around the world. We're very much looking forward to hosting the All Blacks in Tokyo and playing in front of our home fans.

"We are excited to be now facing New Zealand at home, and then England and France on our European tour, three teams that will be in line to lift the Webb Ellis Cup next year in Paris. This is the level of competition that we need to be testing ourselves against, to strengthen our squad ahead of next year's World Cup."

Further match details, including the kick-off time, will be announced in due course.

2022 All Blacks Northern Tour schedule

v Japan, Saturday, 29 October, kick-off TBC, National Stadium, Tokyo
v Wales, Sunday 6 Nov, kick-off 4.15am, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
v Scotland, Monday 14 Nov, kick-off 3.15am, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
v England, Saturday 19 Nov, kick-off TBC, Twickenham, London

All Blacks v Japan previous results

1987: Osaka, October 25, 74-0
1987: Tokyo, November 1, 106-4
1995: Bloemfontein, June 4, 145-17 (RWC 1995)
2011: Hamilton, September 16, 83-7 (RWC2011)
2013: Tokyo, November 2, 54-6
2018: Tokyo, November 3, 69-31