The first clash between the world’s greatest touring side and the Brave Blossoms will raise the curtain for the Lions’ eagerly awaited three-Test tour to South Africa.
Tickets for the historic fixture will go on pre-sale on Tuesday, November 3 with supporters able to register their interest at lionsrugby.com/Vodafone-1888-Cup.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland believes the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists will provide a stern test for his squad before they depart for South Africa.
“We saw Japan play some excellent rugby during the World Cup and they will come to Edinburgh fully motivated to win,” said Gatland.
“They are a talented side who play high-tempo rugby so it’ll be a good challenge for us ahead of the tour and a chance for the match day squad to put their hands up for Test selection.”
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph is also relishing the prospect of the fixture.
“We are very much looking forward to playing a Test against the Lions next year,” he said.
“It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players and we can’t wait for it to come.”
British & Irish Lions and former Wales head coach Warren Gatland
Scottish Rugby’s 67,000-seater stadium in Edinburgh will host only the third Lions Test match on ‘home’ soil, following games in Cardiff against Argentina in 2005 and against a Rest of the World XV in 1986.
“One of our objectives is to give Warren and the playing squad as much meaningful preparation as possible before departing on Tour so we are delighted to have agreed this fixture,” said Ben Calveley, Lions managing director.
“A Lions Test is one of the most iconic events in world sport, but a huge number of fans from the Home Nations never get the chance to see one live. The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match will give even more supporters the opportunity to be part of the next chapter in Lions history.
“It will be an ‘I was there’ moment, against an entertaining and highly-respected opposition.”
Shigetaka Mori, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, anticipates the fixture will attract a global audience.
“It is a great honour for us to be able to play a Test match against the British & Irish Lions,” said Mori.
“I hope many rugby fans from around the world will witness the historic match between the Lions and Japan and enjoy the brand of rugby to be showcased by each side.”
