The Māori All Blacks will return to Japan in 2026, with a fixture against Japan XV now confirmed for Saturday 27 June at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
The match will be played as part of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026, marking another chapter in the strong and enduring rugby relationship between New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU).
The fixture was announced as part of the JRFU’s 2026 domestic match schedule, and the Māori All Blacks match will open Japan’s 2026 international programme, with the Japan XV hosting in Nagoya.
The Māori All Blacks have become familiar and welcome visitors to Japan in recent years. The 2026 fixture will be the fourth meeting between the two teams in the past three years, and the seventh overall since the first encounter in 1981.
Across those seven matches, the Māori All Blacks have claimed victory on six occasions, underlining the competitiveness and quality of the fixture. Japan XV’s lone win remains a memorable one, a 26–14 victory in Toyota City in 2024, a result that highlighted the growth and depth of Japanese rugby and added further edge to the rivalry.
NZR Campaign Manager for the Māori All Blacks Ben Fisher said the match reflects the importance of the relationship between New Zealand and Japan.
“Japan is a critically important partner for New Zealand Rugby,” Fisher said. “Our relationship with the JRFU is built on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to growing the game. On the field, Japan XV pose a real challenge, and the battles we’ve had over the past two years have been tough, physical and highly competitive.
“The Māori All Blacks have a special connection with Japan, and every time we play there it’s a great rugby occasion and we’re really looking forward to being back in Japan again in 2026.”
The Māori All Blacks’ regular visits have helped deepen cultural and rugby connections between the two nations, with the team’s tikanga, mana and playing style resonating strongly with Japanese fans. The match also provides valuable international experience for emerging players on both sides.
Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya will host the encounter, continuing a tradition of major international rugby fixtures in the region.
Match details:
Saturday 27 June 2026
Japan XV vs Māori All Blacks
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026
Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya
Further details around kick-off time, broadcast information and squad announcements will be confirmed closer to the match.
