ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.
Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.
The Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.
And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.
Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.
After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.
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But the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.
Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.
The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.
But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that match
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England last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.
Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.
Red Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after that
He took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.
Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
