Latest from Tim Noonan
The ‘David Beckham of Asia’ returned from a storied career in Europe to learn about his country. Now he is set to use sake to tell the tale of Japan’s time-honoured craftsmanship.
The ‘David Beckham of Asia’ returned from a storied career in Europe to learn about his country. Now he is set to use sake to tell the tale of Japan’s time-honoured craftsmanship.
Uncertain future for venerable golf tournament as the European Tour postpones 60-year-old event amid security fears.
Uncertain future for venerable golf tournament as the European Tour postpones 60-year-old event amid security fears.
Only time will tell if lessons learned from experience with first tier two host Japan will aid growth of rugby globally
Only time will tell if lessons learned from experience with first tier two host Japan will aid growth of rugby globally
Cherry blossoms, musicians and Vince Carter fans in the capital’s green oasis during the tournament offer a quiet reprieve for locals and tourists alike.
Cherry blossoms, musicians and Vince Carter fans in the capital’s green oasis during the tournament offer a quiet reprieve for locals and tourists alike.
The English boss is once again keeping the heat off his players with his cryptic but entertaining press conferences.
The English boss is once again keeping the heat off his players with his cryptic but entertaining press conferences.
Seemingly more stunned than delirious, English fans savour a seminal win as rival fans heap praise on their side’s spirited effort.
Seemingly more stunned than delirious, English fans savour a seminal win as rival fans heap praise on their side’s spirited effort.
Sweltering Tokyo weather is too hot to host the marquee event, Olympics bosses tell organisers, but irate governor asks: ‘Who proposed this?’
Sweltering Tokyo weather is too hot to host the marquee event, Olympics bosses tell organisers, but irate governor asks: ‘Who proposed this?’
Despite being dwarfed by the huge shadow of the other three semi-finalists, Wales won’t take a back seat to anyone – particularly their long-time English rivals.
Despite being dwarfed by the huge shadow of the other three semi-finalists, Wales won’t take a back seat to anyone – particularly their long-time English rivals.
The quick-witted, sharp tongued coach gives a legendary press conference in Tokyo ahead of his squad’s semi-final
The quick-witted, sharp tongued coach gives a legendary press conference in Tokyo ahead of his squad’s semi-final
Bowing out in the quarter-finals will go down as a huge win for Japanese rugby once the sting of their loss to the Springboks wears off
Bowing out in the quarter-finals will go down as a huge win for Japanese rugby once the sting of their loss to the Springboks wears off
A coaching nomad, Nurse led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title in his first season in charge and seeks similar success with the Canadian national team
A coaching nomad, Nurse led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title in his first season in charge and seeks similar success with the Canadian national team
Despite four huge matches on the card this weekend including the Japanese team, the Rugby World Cup has to share the stage in the world’s largest city.
Despite four huge matches on the card this weekend including the Japanese team, the Rugby World Cup has to share the stage in the world’s largest city.
While Tokyo and Oita will host two intriguing quarter-finals, New Zealand versus Ireland will be the premier heavyweight battle.
While Tokyo and Oita will host two intriguing quarter-finals, New Zealand versus Ireland will be the premier heavyweight battle.
An historical victory for Japan in the Rugby World Cup is tempered by the damage from Typhoon Hagibus less than 24 hours earlier.
An historical victory for Japan in the Rugby World Cup is tempered by the damage from Typhoon Hagibus less than 24 hours earlier.
The Houston GM’s tweet in support of Hong Kong has exposed corporate hypocrisy and political duplicity like never before.
The Houston GM’s tweet in support of Hong Kong has exposed corporate hypocrisy and political duplicity like never before.
As controversy over Houston Rockets GM’s controversial Hong Kong protest tweet grows, Adam Silver says league will not compromise on its values.
As controversy over Houston Rockets GM’s controversial Hong Kong protest tweet grows, Adam Silver says league will not compromise on its values.
Japan’s star winger is far from a social activist, even though his feats inspire the plight of the ethnically mixed in the country
Japan’s star winger is far from a social activist, even though his feats inspire the plight of the ethnically mixed in the country
Rugby fans are particularly easy to spot wandering through the most exclusive and fashionable area of Japan.
Rugby fans are particularly easy to spot wandering through the most exclusive and fashionable area of Japan.
Revellers pour out into the early evening throughout Japan to celebrate another improbable and historic victory by the country’s national rugby team.
Revellers pour out into the early evening throughout Japan to celebrate another improbable and historic victory by the country’s national rugby team.
Despite being at all nine World Cup tournaments, the gulf in class between Canada and the top teams remains wide.
Despite being at all nine World Cup tournaments, the gulf in class between Canada and the top teams remains wide.
The city, a three-and-a-half hour flight from Hong Kong, Fukuoka and Kyushu Island is still rugby mad like the rest of the country
The city, a three-and-a-half hour flight from Hong Kong, Fukuoka and Kyushu Island is still rugby mad like the rest of the country
Rugby World Cup deserved better for a showcase stadium but old school still trumps new school in Japan.
Rugby World Cup deserved better for a showcase stadium but old school still trumps new school in Japan.
Spotlight is now on for a country and a sport that have both expressed a desire, if not a willingness, to grow
Spotlight is now on for a country and a sport that have both expressed a desire, if not a willingness, to grow
If you’re reporting for a tier two nation then don’t expect the VIP treatment, but the big tournament opener between hosts Japan and Russia is still a blast.
If you’re reporting for a tier two nation then don’t expect the VIP treatment, but the big tournament opener between hosts Japan and Russia is still a blast.
On the eve of the Rugby World Cup, Manhattan gallery goers will be getting an eyeful of New Zealand’s vaunted rugby culture and their championship national team.
On the eve of the Rugby World Cup, Manhattan gallery goers will be getting an eyeful of New Zealand’s vaunted rugby culture and their championship national team.
Australian team forced to postpone arrival in Tokyo as meteorologists warn the effects from powerful typhoon Faxai could last for days.
Australian team forced to postpone arrival in Tokyo as meteorologists warn the effects from powerful typhoon Faxai could last for days.
As Japan prepares to host the Rugby World Cup, ‘Shiggy’ Konno’s legacy and influence is prevalent in both the international and university game.
As Japan prepares to host the Rugby World Cup, ‘Shiggy’ Konno’s legacy and influence is prevalent in both the international and university game.
As the Rugby World Cup prepares to conquer new frontiers in Japan this month, a new book recounts the enormous debt owed to largely forgotten pioneer Tokkie Smith.
As the Rugby World Cup prepares to conquer new frontiers in Japan this month, a new book recounts the enormous debt owed to largely forgotten pioneer Tokkie Smith.
As a besieged China prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup, defending champions Team USA will be led by two of the most celebrated – and opinionated – coaches in NBA history who could be uncharacteristically tight lipped.
As a besieged China prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup, defending champions Team USA will be led by two of the most celebrated – and opinionated – coaches in NBA history who could be uncharacteristically tight lipped.