Exclusive - Injured Yoshitaka Yazaki leaves Australia

Japan full-back Yoshitaka Yazaki has cut short his overseas excursion in Australia due to sustaining a minor knee injury, RugbyJP can exclusively reveal.

Yazaki, who turned 22 in May, made his Brave Blossoms debut against England in 2024 and has won nine caps for his country despite still being a student at Waseda University.

The Niigata-born starlet went out to Australia in April and has trained with Super Rugby side the ACT Brumbies on a daily basis.

© Vikings

Yazaki started six games for Canberra-based Tuggeranong Vikings in the ACTRU Premier Division (John I Dent Cup) at full-back and scored five tries with his dazzling performances earning widespread plaudits.

“Unfortunately, the Brumbies had to say goodbye to Yoshitaka as he has a minor knee injury so is heading back home for treatment,” a source told RugbyJP.

“He played club rugby with the Vikings in Canberra and absolutely lit it up.”

© JRFU

His last match was on 23 May as the table-topping Vikings lost out 22-12 away against Queanbeyan Whites.

Yazaki, who departed the Brumbies base on Monday, also played one game for the Super Rugby franchise's reserve side and has returned home to receive treatment.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones will name his squad for a pre-Nations Championship training camp next week and will hope to have Yazaki available for a testing summer campaign.

Jones, who is currently suspended by the JRFU due to comments he made to officials on a recent tour to Australia with his country’s u23s team, will miss the Brave Blossoms’ opening game against Italy on 4 July in Tokyo due to his ban.

The Warner Dearns-led side will face Ireland in Australia a week later before tackling Six Nations winners France on July 18 at the MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo.

Speaking to the Waseda University club website on May 22, Yazaki said: “During my recent study abroad in Australia, I was able to join the Brumbies in Super Rugby, and I feel that I have grown as a player by training at a high intensity every day.

 “There are still many challenges to overcome, such as diet and communication, but I will do my best to improve as much as possible before returning home.

 “I would appreciate your continued support for the Waseda University Rugby Football Club.”

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