Brumbies to embark on two-game tour of Japan

ACT Brumbies have announced the club will embark on a two-game development tour to Japan in October, with the Brumbies set to take on two of Japan Rugby League One’s premier team, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and Ricoh BlackRams Tokyo.
 
The Brumbies will assemble for a preparation block on 11 September, with head coach Stephen Larkham set to bring a strong squad to Japan for the two top class fixtures, the Suntory Sungoliath clash being held at the world-famous Sapporo Dome on 7 October.
 
Larkham’s squad will then prepare for the game against the BlackRams using their facilities in Setagaya City, with former Brumbies assistant coaches Peter Hewat and Ruiadhri Murphy also exploring unique training opportunities throughout the week culminating in the second tour game on October 14.
 
The tour will also serve as a unique opportunity for Brumbies players and staff to connect and grow off the field ahead of the 2024 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season, with the Brumbies also excited about the opportunity to further strengthen the club’s longstanding relationship with both Suntory Sungoliath and Ricoh BlackRams.
 
ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We're excited and honoured to be able to return to Japan as a club for two exciting games against two of the best teams in Japan Rugby League One.”
 
“We identified early last year that without a formalised development competition in Australia, we needed to explore other options and this tour will provide the players and our staff a critical development opportunity but also an enrichening cultural experience. 
 
 “On behalf of the Brumbies, I’d like to thank our friends at Tokyo Suntory Songoliath and Ricoh BlackRams Tokyo and we look forward to engaging with the community when we arrive in October, and further strengthening our relationship with these two great clubs.”
 
Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath General Manager, Okubo Naoya said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Brumbies for their great efforts in organizing the Friendship Match.
 
“The longstanding relationship between the Brumbies and Sungoliath is extremely meaningful, and we are confident that it will be an enjoyable event for Japanese rugby fans as well.
 
“We are delighted to be able to cooperate for the further development and strengthening of the relationship between the clubs.”

RICOH BlackRams Tokyo head coach, Peter Hewat said: “We’re excited to have the ACT Brumbies coming for what should be a really beneficial week for both clubs.”
 
“The Brumbies is a special club, one I’m proud to have been a part of and it has been fantastic for us as a staffing group to be able to spend time in the Brumbies environment and likewise, we will be delighted to have the Brumbies at our facility throughout their stay.
 
“The relationship and connection between us and the Brumbies is already strong and I believe this game and the week they spend in and around our environment will only help strengthen that connection into the future.”