Japan will compete in a new four-nation international rugby tournament next year with the United States, China and Russia, officials said Tuesday.
The International Rugby Board, rugby's world governing body, said the U.S. will face Russia in the inaugural match of the "Super Powers Cup" in April, with Japan playing its first match away to the Americans on May 17.
Japan will also entertain Russia on May 25 and travel to China for a game on May 31.
The IRB has modeled the tournament, set to be held on an annual basis, on the successful Six Nations tournament in Europe and the Tri Nations series between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.