Black Friday in other countries
This page brings together products from other rugby nations, those that do not compete in either the Tournament or the Rugby Championship. Japan, Tonga, Uruguay, and Canada are mainly represented by balls in their colours, for playing with friends or displaying, offered at reduced prices during the Black Friday for rugby worldwide enthusiasts.
The rugby of the nations of the world, at reduced prices.
Japan, Uruguay, Tonga: the exploits of other nations
These teams have produced some of the biggest surprises in the World Cup. Japan beat South Africa 34 to 32 in Brighton in 2015 and then reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 2019, on their own home soil. Uruguay dominated Fiji 30 to 27 in Kamaishi during that same edition, and Tonga took down France 19 to 14 in 2011. Georgia, nicknamed the Lelos, reigns over the Rugby Europe Championship, the European competition just below the Tournament.
The other families
The Black Friday nations also come in various forms:
All the Black Friday nations are gathered on the nations page.
A selection ball: for playing or for display
The nation balls feature the colours and emblem of each federation: the red and white of Tonga, the sky blue of Uruguay, the red with a maple leaf of Canada, or the red and white of Japan. Made by Gilbert, the official supplier of every World Cup since 1995, they generally adopt the size five, that of adults, and can handle passes and kicks among friends. Many fans also keep them on a shelf as a memento of a match or a trip.
Sipi Tau, Cibi, Brave Blossoms: the identity of the nations from the Pacific and beyond
Several of these teams start their matches with a war chant. Tonga, nicknamed Ikale Tahi, sing the Sipi Tau, Fiji the Cibi, and Samoa the Siva Tau, all highly anticipated moments by the crowd. The nicknames also tell a story about each country: the Brave Blossoms for Japan, referring to the cherry blossom, the Flying Fijians, crowned Olympic champions in sevens at the Rio and Tokyo Games, or the Cóndores of Chile, who qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2023.
Other good deals
Outside of the Black Friday, good bargains can be found in good deals, clearance sales, and sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year occur in a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end of year celebrations, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
Which selections are part of the other rugby nations?
All those that do not play in the Six Nations or Rugby Championship: Japan, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Georgia, Romania, Uruguay, Chile, Canada, the United States, or Namibia, among others.
Has Canada ever missed a World Cup?
Yes, the 2023 edition is the only one they did not participate in, eliminated by Chile during qualifying. Their women's team reached the final of the women's World Cup in 2025.
Why is Uruguay called Los Teros?
The tero, a lapwing common in South American fields, is the emblem of the Uruguayan rugby federation. The players carry this nickname, and the bird is featured on their crest.
What size ball is for an adult?
The size five, the largest, is used from around fifteen years old, in both club and international matches. Nationally coloured balls usually adopt this format, allowing for real passing.
Can a nation ball be used for training?
Yes, for passing and games among friends, but its surface wears out faster than that of a training ball designed for repeated sessions on grass. It’s best kept for leisure.
