According to a report by Talk Rugby Union, this will be the first time that Japan will face Portugal in a test match, however they have previously played each other during a training game in 2007.

“We’re looking very much forward to playing Portugal in Lisbon during our upcoming European tour," said Japan head coach Jamie Joseph.

"They have been improving year on year and will be targeting a second Rugby World Cup appearance in 2023, having played in their first World Cup in France, back in 2007. We’re expecting a tough test match and will prepare accordingly.”

According to Talk Rugby Union, Portugal head coach Patrice Lagisquet is said to be delighted by the prospect of facing Japan.

“We are very proud to play against such a great team as Japan.

"They have improved a lot since the last Rugby World Cup, so for us it is a huge challenge to play against a team ranked in the top ten. It will be a great opportunity for us to see where we are against such a team, especially following our recent strong performance against Russia.

"Japan play a really fast game that we admire and look towards as a style of rugby that we would like to emulate.”