Former League One winners Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights will play Super Rugby Pacific side Queensland Reds in a pre-season match on Monday November 4 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama.
Robbie Deans’ side, who won the inaugural League One title in 2022 and were runners-up in 2023 and 2024, formed a strategic partnership with their Super Rugby counterparts in 2020.
The Reds brushed aside Saitama 55-30 in Kumagaya in 2022 and narrowly edged out the Japanese side 31-29 at Ballymore Stadium in Queensland in 2023.
Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights Head Coach Robbie Deans said: “This will be the third match between the two teams for the third consecutive year and will be the final match of the first block of our preseason.
“Last year's battle between the two teams was a great one that went all the way to the end, and we are looking forward to another exciting match between the two teams this year. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the first sister city relationship between Saitama Prefecture and Queensland in 1984, making this a special match.”
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said: “I am very excited to see the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, led by Robbie Deans, and the Queensland Reds compete in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture.
“It is important for the Reds players to be exposed to different styles of rugby in order to grow, and I believe that this year's tour is a very meaningful opportunity. Last year, my first match after becoming the Reds' head coach was against the Wild Knights in Brisbane, and it was a very tough match where the outcome was unclear until the end.
The former London Irish coach and Springboks assistant added: “This is only the third year since we started our relationship, which allows us to continue playing such games, but I hope to continue this relationship for a long time to come, which is based on the wonderful ability to build connections with people around the world, which is unique to rugby.
Queensland Reds General Manager Sam Cordingley said: “The match against the Wild Knights is a very important match for us, and we are very honoured to have the Queensland Reds and Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights as partners.
“We will continue to create meaningful opportunities for both clubs for a long time to come. This year is a special year as it marks the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Saitama Prefecture and Queensland. This year's match will be an important one for both regions and both clubs.”
Information on ticket sales will be released at a later date.
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