**Eddie Jones Surprises by Handing University Student Spot in Japan’s Rugby Squad Ahead of Wales Clashes**
In a bold move that underscores his reputation for unconventional selections, Japan head coach Eddie Jones has named a university student in his training squad as the Brave Blossoms prepare to host Wales in a two-match Test series this July. The inclusion highlights a push towards youth within the Japanese team as they seek to refresh their ranks following a period of transition.
Among the 37 players called up for the training camp in Miyazaki City is Jingo Takenoshita, a 21-year-old student from Meiji University. Despite his relative inexperience at the top level, Takenoshita’s recent performances for Japan’s Under-23 side have caught the eye, leading Jones to offer him a place amongst a group that also includes 16 uncapped players. Remarkably, the average age of this squad just creeps over 26.
Takenoshita’s selection comes hot on the heels of his 21st birthday and reflects both his growing reputation and Jones’ willingness to gamble on emerging stars. During the Under-23s’ recent tour in Australia, where Jones himself took charge, Takenoshita held down the full-back position in all three fixtures, demonstrating considerable promise on the international stage.
The Japanese squad heading into the training camp will mainly comprise home-based players, with just one notable exception: scrum-half Naoto Saito, who now plies his trade with top French club Toulouse after departing Tokyo Sungoliath last year. While Saito brings European experience, most players will be drawn from the domestic leagues, further underlining Japan’s commitment to developing local talent.
Veteran presence in the squad is distinctly limited. Only Michael Leitch, the back-rower with 87 caps and four Rugby World Cup campaigns to his name, offers substantial international experience. Leitch remains a talismanic figure for Japanese rugby and a familiar adversary to Welsh fans, and he is expected to anchor a young team as they aim to make an impression during the summer Test series.
Takenoshita’s role within the squad remains up for grabs, with competition expected from Toshiba’s Takuro Matsunaga and the Black Rams duo of Ichigo Nakakusu and Taira Main. With the training camp kicking off next Monday, every player will be vying for a starting spot as Japan sets its sights on producing a statement performance against their European visitors.
The Brave Blossoms will welcome Matt Sherratt’s Wales team to Kitakyushu for the first Test on July 5, with the second encounter scheduled for Kobe on July 12. The fixtures represent a significant opportunity for both nations — particularly for Wales, who are seeking to break a 17-match losing streak that dates back to their World Cup pool stage win over Georgia in October 2023.
That barren run has seen the Welsh side plummet down the World Rugby rankings, now sitting 12th — just one spot above the Japanese, raising the stakes for this summer’s matches. The string of losses also spelled the end of Warren Gatland’s tenure as Wales head coach. With the search for a permanent replacement still ongoing, Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt will take on interim coaching duties during this tour, adding another layer of intrigue.
Jones’ decision to include so many newcomers — and particularly a young student like Takenoshita — suggests Japan is building with an eye on the future, blending promise and potential as they retool their squad. For Wales, these matches offer a chance to restore pride and rebuild momentum, while Japan will be eager to test their up-and-coming talent against a Tier One opponent.
The training camp in Miyazaki City will provide vital preparation time, as the Brave Blossoms look to create the right mix between experience and youth. As anticipation grows for the Test series, rugby fans will be watching closely to see if Jones’ calculated risk pays off, and whether the university student can make the leap from campus rugby to the global stage.