Rugby: What are Sunwolves?

The newly released Sunwolves logo.

The name of Japan's first Super Rugby team was announced yesterday. We've gathered up everything you need to know about the Sunwolves, the newest team on the block.

1. What is a Sunwolf, anyway?

Being primarily nocturnal animals, a "sunwolf" seems like somewhat of an oxymoron. However, the name was chosen as a combination of the 'Land of the Rising Sun' and wolves, representing "pack hunting mentality" and a "dedicated team ethos of protecting one another".

The name was chosen following consultation with fans from all over the world - and it's gone down well on social media, along with the team's hipster metal band looking logo.

In Japanese folklore, wolves were worshipped by grain farmers who made shrines for the animals and left offerings near their dens.

The team also share a name with Washington DC garage rock band Sunwolf.

Is Wolves a new concept for a team name?

There is a handful of sports teams that use the name Wolves name. Probably the most notable is the NBA franchise, the Minnesota Timberwolves. They have yet to win a title since being founded in 1989.

The other team is the English football club Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, who go by the Wolves nickname.

In American college sports there are the Red Wolves (Arkansas State University), the Seawolves (Alaska Anchorage, California State University Sonoma and SUNY Stony Brook), the ThunderWolves (Colorado State University-Pueblo), the Prairie Wolves (Nebraska Wesleyan University) and just the Wolves (Cardinal Stritch University, Cheyney University, West Georgia and Western Oregon University).

When do the Sunwolves make their debut?

The team will play their first game against the Lions on February 27 at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Toyko - the first ever Super Rugby game to be played on Japanese soil. Their first four matches will be played at home, as part of schedule designed to increase local support.

Is Japan ready for Super Rugby?

While the Brave Blossom's unexpected wins in this years' World Cup might have many saying yes, Japan coach Eddie Jones isn't so sure.

Jones said last week he was "surprised" the country's application for a Super Rugby team was approved and has warned it could severely damage the reputation of the sport in Japan if it failed.

While he had originally agreed to serve as the director of rugby for the Sunwolves, Jones reneged to join the Stormers - out of frustration for the lack of infrastructure in Japan, he said.

Who are the players?

While a squad has yet to be announced, Sunwolves CEO Yuichi Ueno has insisted that signing Japan's top World Cup players is a "top priority". The lineup will be disclosed later in the month, following a meeting of the Japan Rugby Football Union.

A head coach is also yet to be signed.

What will the jersey look like?

Judging by the team's logo, it's likely to be effortlessly cool in a Japanese sort of way - featuring a colour palette of gray, red and gold.

- nzherald.co.nz