Coach Eddie Jones expressed excitement over Japan's young players following their performance in the inaugural Nations Championship. The team secured one win and two losses in the southern hemisphere series.
Japan defeated Italy but lost to Ireland and France during the tournament. Jones highlighted the contributions of university players including fly-half Ryunosuke Ito, prop Sojiro Otsuka and utility back Shunsuke Uenobo.
After the 42-15 defeat to France in Tokyo on Saturday, Jones said the young players delivered "absolutely outstanding" performances. He noted that Ito and Otsuka had each played only three senior games.
Jones added that developing such talent through university programs could lead to strong results ahead of the World Cup in Australia. Japan will face Australia in two tests next month.