Super Rugby
Japan formally announce Sunwolves for 2016 Super Rugby competition
ESPN Staff
October 5, 2015
Japan Rugby formerly name their Super Rugby side the Sunwolves © SANZAR
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Japan Rugby has formally named their Super Rugby side, the Sunwolves, for the 2016 competition. The Sunwolves are one of three new teams to join the competition, with the side hosting their first match against the Lions on Saturday February 27 in Tokyo.

Announced today by Yoshitaka Tashiro, Representative Director of the Japan Super Rugby Association (JRSA), the Sunwolves represents bravery, strength and the ethos of teamwork, while the name is a hybrid comprising a blazing icon of the 'Land of the Rising Sun' and a wolf which represents a pack hunting mentality.

SANZAR interim CEO, Brednan Morris, welcomed the Sunwolves to Super Rugby, saying it was an exciting time for Japan as well as rugby.

"It gives us great pleasure to welcome the Sunwolves to Super Rugby as they prepare to join our expanded competition alongside the Kings from South Africa and an Argentinean team that will be revealed shortly," Morris said.

"It's an exciting time for the sport and also for fans throughout Japan who can start getting behind the brand, identity and ethos of their Super Rugby team. The JRSA did a tremendous job engaging the fans and we look forward to watching the nation get behind this team as it continues to take shape in the coming months."

The 2016 Super Rugby season kicks off with the Blues and Highlanders in Auckland on Friday February 26.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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