Winds of change blowing as Japan plan to tackle rugby’s powerhouses

With Ardie Savea on board, will the money on offer for a shorter season in Asia attract more elite European-based players?

BIG IN JAPAN: Cheslin Kolbe, Ardie Savea and (right) Richie Mo'unga are already starring in the Japanese Rugby League. Who else will follow them?

CHECK out the following list of names in action over the weekend: Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Sam Cane, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Franco Mostert. A few short weeks ago they were all starting in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris. But where are they now? Here’s a clue: none were involved in the opening round of the Champions Cup.

On that same theme, here’s a supplementary quiz question. Which of the following rugby matches attracted a bigger crowd over the weekend? Was it: a) Racing 92 v Harlequins; b) La Rochelle v Leinster; c) Bulls v Saracens; or d) Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay v Tokyo Sungoliath? Let’s just say Europe’s leading clubs and their flagship cross-border tournament are by no means the only show in town these days.