Taira out of RWC

Whangarei - Centre Koji Taira became the fifth Japan player to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday because of a left hamstring injury.

The Japan Rugby Union was yet to name a replacement for Taira, who started in the first two Pool A games against France and New Zealand, both losses.

Lock Justin Ives, No 8 Ryukoliniashi Holani, scrumhalf Tomoki Yoshida and centre Yuta Imamura have already departed.