South Africa’s two-time World Cup-winning head coach Rassie Erasmus has ruled out picking young players who ply their trade in the Japan’s League One competition. Erasmus, who signed a contract extension on Friday through to 2031, was speaking online during a post-World Cup draw press conference. The Springboks’ all-conquering squad has a core group of Japan-based players which has the full support of the former South Africa captain. Marx in action for Kubota v Saitama - © JR

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed that Yokohama Canon Eagles scrum-half Faf de Klerk remains in his plans despite leaving the double World Cup-winning veteran out of his Autumn Nations squad. The Rugby Championship winners open their end-of-year tour against Eddie Jones’ Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.  Erasmus has picked seven-Japan based players in his starting line-up with a further two League One representatives among the replacements while

The Japan Rugby Football Union has confirmed a long-rumoured Test match against back-to-back world champions South Africa at London’s...