Japan test match

NZR chief executive Steve Tew and Prime Minister Bill English confirmed the fixture in Tokyo.

RNZ reports the All Blacks will play the Brave Blossoms in November 2018 ahead of their annual end of year European Tour.

Tew said the test met several objectives.

"Interest in rugby in Japan is on a high and will only build as we get closer to Rugby World Cup 2019. The test will not only provide a great opportunity to prepare for the 2018 end of year tour, it also gives the team first-hand experience of playing in Japan less than a year out from the tournament.

A major announcement is expected from The New Zealand and Japanese Rugby Unions.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew is currently in Japan as part of a trade delegation headed by the Prime Minister Bill English, who says he's keen to get the world champion All Blacks to play in Japan before the 2019 World Cup.

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said at last week's World Cup draw that a match against Japan "wouldn't be a bad idea".

RNZI reports the All Blacks could play Japan in the World Cup quarter-finals in 2019.