Former University A lock Justin Ives has been named in the provisional 41-man strong Japanese World Cup squad coached by former All Black John Kirwan.
Ives, who was born in Dunedin and went to Taieri College, went to Japan for an initial six-week period in 2007 to play for the Sanyo team. Ives was then offered a permanent contract in 2008. After spending three years in the country Ives qualified to play for Japan.
The squad will be reduced to 30 for the Asian Five Nations tournament in April and May, with a further selection made for the Pacific Nations Cup in July. Ives will know if he makes the Japanese World Cup squad in late August. Japan plays a World Cup pool game against the All Blacks in Hamilton on September 16
Former University A player makes Japanese squad
