Japan head coach Eddie Jones warned England they will be taken down to the wire when they meet in Tokyo on Saturday.
George Ford's ongoing Achilles injury will see him miss England's tour to New Zealand and Japan.
Former Springbok lock-turned-top-level coach Johan Ackermann has revealed that he is willing to leave his role in Japan to return to South Africa.
World Rugby revealed the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup this week, a six-team annual competition featuring Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and USA.
The Canon Eagles in Japan have confirmed the arrival of another South African on their books in Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Former Springbok Victor Matfield is set to feature as a coaching consultant for Japan under head coach Eddie Jones.