Rising threats and rivalries - Wallabies v Japan, R360, and Rugby League in the Pacific
17 October 2025

Rising threats and rivalries - Wallabies v Japan, R360, and Rugby League in the Pacific

Rugby Unity

About

Rugby Unity hits the road this with David Pembroke heading to Land of the Rising Sun to understand how Japan can “help secure the future prosperity of Rugby Union around the world. Pemby joins Eddie Jones from a crammed space just outside the Men’s toilet at the Tokyo Club a week out from the anticipated Wallabies v Japan test — they are joined later by Ewen McKenzie to unpack selections, form, and the shifting world order in rugby.

Pemby and Eddie mix it up again about R360 while they agree that the threat of Rugby League in the Pacific is real, present and dangerous. The episode tackles the power plays, politics, and possibilities shaping the sport’s future.

Also in this episode

Japan’s 2035 World Cup bid and why it matters

The $600 million Rugby League investment changing the Pacific

 R360 vs traditional rugby — disruption or destruction?

Wallabies squad depth and the risks of rotation

Ewen McKenzie on building a winning habit

Refereeing, red cards, and restoring consistency

PLUS: our regular feature of the “Third Voice’’ the global fans’ giving their views on how we can approve the appeal of Rugby and why unity above all else is the future to the game’s global success.

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Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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