This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use ... to make room for Ludlam. Flanker Michael Leitch will set a Japan record with his 15th Rugby World Cup appearance.

There had been talk of bringing Japan into the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship or even Europe's Six Nations but Leitch said getting Japanese rugby back to a place where it could compete ...

Japan back row Michael Leitch believes the Cherry Blossoms can make 'new history' at the Rugby World Cup in France by beating Argentina in their final pool stage game. Leitch was part of the ...

SAPPORO, Japan April 25 (Reuters) - Landing in northern Japan as a 15-year-old from New Zealand, Michael Leitch stood out in his new classroom and on the rugby field. "I remember going to school ...

Japan captain Michael Leitch is a man who welcomes pressure and believes he performs best under it, which is a good thing considering the weight of expectation on his considerable shoulders going ...

Live on ITV. Captain Michael Leitch says Japan are ready to inspire the host nation as they prepare to take on Russia in Friday's Rugby World Cup opener. Japan beat South Africa, Samoa and the ...

This, however, wasn't an entirely new experience for star Michael Leitch and some of his Brave Blossoms teammates. The Japan national team posted three wins, including a stunning upset of South ...

Former Japanese captain Michael Leitch believes his team can win this year's Rugby World Cup. Japan have been drawn in Pool D with England, Argentina, Samoa and Chile. Despite the country never making ...

Michael Leitch says his history-making Japan team will not settle for simply making the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, as they eye up a second famous victory over the Springboks this ...