The M\u0101ori All Blacks will return to Japan in 2026, with a fixture against Japan XV now confirmed for Saturday 27 June at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.<\/p>\n
The M\u0101ori All Blacks will return to Japan in 2026, with a fixture against Japan XV now confirmed for Saturday 27 June at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.<\/p>\n
The match will be played as part of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026, marking another chapter in the strong and enduring rugby relationship between New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU).<\/p>\n
The fixture was announced as part of the JRFU\u2019s 2026 domestic match schedule, and the M\u0101ori All Blacks match will open Japan\u2019s 2026 international programme, with the Japan XV hosting in Nagoya.<\/p>\n
The M\u0101ori All Blacks have become familiar and welcome visitors to Japan in recent years. The 2026 fixture will be the fourth meeting between the two teams in the past three years, and the seventh overall since the first encounter in 1981.<\/p>\n
Across those seven matches, the M\u0101ori All Blacks have claimed victory on six occasions, underlining the competitiveness and quality of the fixture. Japan XV\u2019s lone win remains a memorable one, a 26\u201314 victory in Toyota City in 2024, a result that highlighted the growth and depth of Japanese rugby and added further edge to the rivalry.<\/p>\n
NZR Campaign Manager for the M\u0101ori All Blacks Ben Fisher said the match reflects the importance of the relationship between New Zealand and Japan.<\/p>\n
\u201cJapan is a critically important partner for New Zealand Rugby,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cOur relationship with the JRFU is built on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to growing the game. On the field, Japan XV pose a real challenge, and the battles we\u2019ve had over the past two years have been tough, physical and highly competitive.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe M\u0101ori All Blacks have a special connection with Japan, and every time we play there it\u2019s a great rugby occasion and we\u2019re really looking forward to being back in Japan again in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
The M\u0101ori All Blacks\u2019 regular visits have helped deepen cultural and rugby connections between the two nations, with the team\u2019s tikanga, mana and playing style resonating strongly with Japanese fans. The match also provides valuable international experience for emerging players on both sides.<\/p>\n
Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya will host the encounter, continuing a tradition of major international rugby fixtures in the region.<\/p>\n
Match details:
Saturday 27 June 2026
Japan XV vs M\u0101ori All Blacks
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026<\/p>\n
Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya<\/p>\n
Further details around kick-off time, broadcast information and squad announcements will be confirmed closer to the match.<\/p>\n
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