Japan's new Vodacom Super Rugby team will be known as the Sunwolves.

The name is a hybrid comprising the blazing icon of the 'Land of the Rising Sun' and a wolf which represents a pack hunting mentality and a dedicated team ethos of protecting one another.

The logo depicts the breaking of a new dawn for Japanese rugby and a fearsome representation of the team's desired playing style as they seek to utilise speed, unity and a fearless spirit to face their challenges.

The Sunwolves open their inaugural Super Rugby campaign with a clash against the Lions in Tokyo and play their first four matches at home, (including two in Singapore), which was a schedule designed to drive momentum and local support for the team in its all-important formative stages.