Super Rugby organizer SANZAR says the Japan-based team to compete in an expanded competition from next season will be known as the Sunwolves.
The name of the Japanese club, which joins a team from Argentina and a sixth South African-based side in a Super Rugby competition enlarged from 15 to 18 teams, is designed to represent "bravery, strength and the ethos of teamwork," SANZAR said Monday.
Doubts have been expressed about the viability of a Japan-based team, which has yet to announce any high-profile signings. But the team's inclusion in the 2016 draw, released last week, and the revelation of its name will go some way to quieting misgivings.
The Sunwolves will play their inaugural match against South Africa's Lions in Tokyo on Feb. 27 and will compete in a conference with South African sides the Bulls, Cheetahs and Stormers.
"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," SANZAR chief executive Brendan Morris said in a statement.
The Sunwolves will play their first four competition matches next season at home, dividing those games between Tokyo and Singapore.
Japan rugby is on a high after the national team's historic win over South Africa at the on-going Rugby World Cup. But Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who masterminded that victory and seems likely to lead Japan into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, is among those who expressed reservations about whether joining Super Rugby is the best way forward for Japan rugby.
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