Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Strengthens Diplomatic and Cultural Ties During Visit to Embassy of Canada to Japan

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Strengthens Diplomatic and Cultural Ties During Visit to Embassy of Canada to Japan

August 25, 2025 (Tokyo, Japan) – In the lead up to Canada’s second match of the Pacific Nations Cup versus Japan, Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team made a significant off-field appearance with a visit to the Embassy of Canada to Japan in Tokyo, an event that celebrated not only national pride but also the growing ties between Canadian sport and international diplomacy.

This visit highlighted how Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team serve as cultural ambassadors abroad, showcased Canada’s commitment to sports diplomacy and its relationship to Japan as well as provided insight into how athletes represent Canada off the field.

Canada’s victory against the United States in their opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup on August 22 had a global impact on Canadian sports fans. The team was graciously celebrated at the Canadian Embassy as this victory marks a significant step in their qualification for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

In attendance were all players and staff from Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, Canadian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Japan Ian G. McKay, Counsellor Commercial (Ontario) at the Embassy of Canada in Japan Christian Howes, and Administrative Staff from the Japan Rugby Football Union.

The team was met with welcoming remarks by Counsellor Howes and taken on a tour of the Canadian Embassy. They were then welcomed into the official Ambassador’s Residence by Ambassador Ian G. McKay where an informal meet and great was held, players had the opportunity to speak with the Ambassador and his staff and interact with local community members.

Canada and Japan have a rich and well-respected rugby history, Japan played their first ever test match against Canada in Osaka on January 31, 1932. For many years Canadian and Japanese teams would make the journey across the Pacific to compete against each other facing off in 25 test matches. For two Rugby World Cups in a row, 2007 and 2011 – Canada and Japan tied their matches, adding an additional layer of indescribable connection between the two nations.

Rugby has been a consistent theme in Canada–Japan diplomatic relations. Rugby emphasizes values of respect and camaraderie, aligning with both Canadian and Japanese cultural diplomacy, the 2019 Rugby World Cup Canadian team’s volunteerism after the typhoon cemented rugby as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

The Canadian Embassy building in Japan located in Tokyo, holds both architectural and diplomatic significance. The embassy serves as a physical and symbolic representation of the strong diplomatic ties between Canada and Japan, it is notable for being one of the few purpose-built embassy buildings in Japan.

Rugby Canada would like to thank Ambassador Ian G. McKay, Counsellor Christian Howes and the Canadian Embassy staff for the warm welcome to Japan.

Canada will play Japan in their second match of the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday August 30 at 1:00am PT / 4:00am ET / 5:00pm Local at Yurtec Stadium, Sendai. Tickets can be found here.

More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.