Ryu Koliniasi Holani (ホラニ 龍コリニアシ, Horani Ryu Koriniasi), born 25 October 1981, is a Tongan born, Japanese professional…
Ryu Koliniasi Holani (ホラニ 龍コリニアシ, Horani Ryu Koriniasi), born 25 October 1981, is a Tongan born, Japanese professional Rugby union player. He is the nephew of the former Japan international Nofomuli Taumoefolau He plays at number eight for Top League club Panasonic Wild Knights. He moved to Japan on a study abroad programme from Tonga and attended High School in Saitama, Japan at age 16. Holani is fluent in Japanese. Holani has played 42 tests for the Japan national rugby union team. He earned his 40th cap in the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup in their match against the United States.
Famous Japanese People: Rugby
Rugby: 289 people
Toshiaki Hirose (廣瀬俊朗, Hirose Toshiaki; born October 17, 1981 in Osaka) is Japanese former rugby union player who…
Toshiaki Hirose (廣瀬俊朗, Hirose Toshiaki; born October 17, 1981 in Osaka) is Japanese former rugby union player who played as a wing or fly half, and captained the national team between 2012 and 2013. After becoming a regular starter for Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Top League, Hirose made his debut for Japan in 2007 against Hong Kong at fly-half scoring two tries, but never featured again under coach John Kirwan. He continued to be a key player at domestic level though, captaining Toshiba Brave Lupus to back to back Top League victories in 2009 and 2010. In 2012, five years after his debut, he was recalled and named captain of the Japan national rugby union team by new coach, Eddie Jones. He had by now converted from fly-half to wing, and later that year led them to their first ever away wins in Europe against Romania and Georgia. He was also on the receiving end of a rant by Jones after a loss to the French Barbarians in June. Hirose continued as captain in 2013, leading Japan to their first ever victory over Wales, but was dropped in 2014 with his place coming under increasing pressure from new caps Akihito Yamada and Kotaro Matsushima, and Jones citing a lack of pace. From there onwards he became a bit part player at international level with his remaining caps all coming off the bench as a utility player who could cover both fly-half and wing. He was retained for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with his leadership skills praised by Jones, but was the only player in the 31 man squad not to make the field in the tournament, and following a final season with Toshiba Brave Lupus decided to retire.
Ryō Yamamura (山村 亮, Yamamura Ryō; born 9 August 1981 in Saga, Japan) is a Japanese former rugby union player and coach.…
Ryō Yamamura (山村 亮, Yamamura Ryō; born 9 August 1981 in Saga, Japan) is a Japanese former rugby union player and coach. He played as a prop. Yamamura had 39 caps for the Japan national rugby union team, and played professionally in the Rugby Top League. Since retiring as a player he has coached teams including Kurita Water Gash Akishima, the Japan U20 squad, and Kubota Spears. Yamamura had the qualities to become a sumo professional, but preferred rugby instead. He played for Kanto Gakuin University. He was regularly picked for the Japan national rugby union team. He played one match at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and four matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Mitsugu Yamamoto (山本光, Yamamoto Hikaru; born 12 May 1981) is a Japanese rugby union player who played as a prop or…
Mitsugu Yamamoto (山本光, Yamamoto Hikaru; born 12 May 1981) is a Japanese rugby union player who played as a prop or hooker. He's currently playing for Coca-Cola Red Sparks in Japan's domestic Top League. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but withdrew from the tournament due to injury. He made a further 10 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring three tries.
Toshizumi Kitagawa (北川俊澄, Kitagawa Toshizumi) (born 7 February 1981 in Kyoto, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player.…
Toshizumi Kitagawa (北川俊澄, Kitagawa Toshizumi) (born 7 February 1981 in Kyoto, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player. Kitagawa has played 43 international matches for the Japan national rugby union team. Kitagawa was a member of the Japan team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and played four matches for the Brave Blossoms.
Shoji Ito (伊藤 鐘史, Itō Shōji; born 2 December 1980) is a coach and former Japanese rugby union player. He was named in…
Shoji Ito (伊藤 鐘史, Itō Shōji; born 2 December 1980) is a coach and former Japanese rugby union player. He was named in Japan's squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He is currently the assist coach of the Japan national team.
Kosuke Endo (遠藤 幸佑, Endō Kōsuke; born November 11, 1980 in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaidō) is a Japanese rugby union player who…
Kosuke Endo (遠藤 幸佑, Endō Kōsuke; born November 11, 1980 in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaidō) is a Japanese rugby union player who won 41 caps for the Japan national team and represented them at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup. Endo made his debut for Japan against Italy in July 2004, but then had to wait until 2006 until he returned for his second cap and then established himself as the first choice right wing after Daisuke Ohata late career was plagued by injuries, and remained there for most of John Kirwan's time as Japan coach between 2007 and 2011. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup he notably finished a spectacular break out try from their own 5 metre line against Wales at the Millennium Stadium which was praised as one of the outstanding tries of the tournament one of Japan's best of all time. He followed that up by scoring another try against Canada in the next match from a run just under 50 metres through the defence. Endo left the World Cup with an increased reputation and coach John Kirwan said that "he could be one of the best wingers in the world". In 2008, Endo signed to play a season in the Air New Zealand Cup with Canterbury. Endo remained in the Japan side until the 2011 Rugby World Cup where he started 3 matches. In the last match against Canada, Endo again scored a try like he did against the same opposition in the 2007 tournament, but also had a nightmare match in defence missing 5 tackles one of which led to a Canada try. After that match, Endo was dropped by new coach Eddie Jones who put Toshiaki Hirose as captain ahead of him in his position on the wing. He was briefly recalled to a wider training squad in 2013 after some good form for his domestic side Toyota Verblitz but didn't play with younger players such as Yoshikazu Fujita and Kenki Fukuoka being preferred ahead of him.
Yukinobo Ike (池 透暢, Ike Yukinobo; born July 21, 1980 in Kōchi, Kōchi) is a Japanese wheelchair rugby player whose…
Yukinobo Ike (池 透暢, Ike Yukinobo; born July 21, 1980 in Kōchi, Kōchi) is a Japanese wheelchair rugby player whose position class is 3.0. He currently plays for Nikko Asset Management/Kochi Freedom and has captained the Japanese national team since 2014. He won a bronze medal in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics and a gold medal in the 2024 edition.
Ippei Asada (麻田一平, Asada Ippei; born 26 June 1980) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a scrum-half.…
Ippei Asada (麻田一平, Asada Ippei; born 26 June 1980) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a scrum-half. He spent his whole career playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 75 times and captaining the side. His performances domestically earned him a call-up as a replacement player for the 2011 Rugby World Cup for Japan. He though did not make an appearance at the World Cup, or in any other matches for Japan.
Keiji Takei (born 1 June 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. A fullback from Kanagawa…
Keiji Takei (born 1 June 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. A fullback from Kanagawa Prefecture, Takei was capped six times by Japan between 2004 and 2006, which included qualifying matches for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He scored five international tries. Takei played his club rugby for NEC Green Rockets in Japan's Top League. In 2013, Takei announced his retirement from professional rugby to focus on his career in the corporate sector.
Takashi Miyake (born 2 May 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. Miyake, a native of Kyoto…
Takashi Miyake (born 2 May 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. Miyake, a native of Kyoto, attended Fushimi Technical High School and was a member of Japan's top-ranked collegiate team during his time at Kanto Gakuin University. He played his rugby for Panasonic Wild Knights. A versatile back, Miyake was capped four times for Japan, debuting against Spain in 2005. He made three appearances as starting fullback in the 2006 Pacific 5 Nations and scored a try against the Junior All Blacks. Miyake announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the 2014–15 Top League season.
Takashi Kikutani (菊谷 崇, Kikutani Takashi; born 24 February 1980 in Nara) is a Japanese rugby union player, who plays at…
Takashi Kikutani (菊谷 崇, Kikutani Takashi; born 24 February 1980 in Nara) is a Japanese rugby union player, who plays at number 8 or flanker for Canon Eagles and previously Toyota Verblitz. He also represented Japan at international level, and is the second highest try scorer for a forward of all time.
Ryota Asano (浅野良太, Asano Ryōta) (born Chiba Prefecture, 25 September 1979) is a Japanese rugby union player with 22…
Ryota Asano (浅野良太, Asano Ryōta) (born Chiba Prefecture, 25 September 1979) is a Japanese rugby union player with 22 caps and 0 points in aggregate. He played as flanker, lock and number eight. His nickname is Popi (ぽぴ～, Popi~).
Yuji Matsubara (松原雄二, Matsubara Yūji; born 5 September 1979) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a…
Yuji Matsubara (松原雄二, Matsubara Yūji; born 5 September 1979) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a hooker. He spent his whole career playing for Kobelco Steelers in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 35 times. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 3 appearances in the tournament. He made a further 20 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring two tries.
Yosuke Ikegaya (born August 24, 1979 in Hiroshima, Japan) plays rugby union at prop for Suntory Sungoliath in the Top…
Yosuke Ikegaya (born August 24, 1979 in Hiroshima, Japan) plays rugby union at prop for Suntory Sungoliath in the Top League. He also plays for the Japan national rugby union team. He has currently played 3 games for Japan.
Shotaro Onishi (大西将太郎, Ōnishi shōtarō; born 18 November 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a…
Shotaro Onishi (大西将太郎, Ōnishi shōtarō; born 18 November 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a centre. He spent his whole career playing for both Kintetsu Liners and Toyota Industries Shuttles in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 560 times. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 3 appearances in the tournament. He made a further 30 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring 71 points.
Hajime Kiso (木曽一,, Kiso Hajime) (born 7 November 1978) is a Japanese rugby union player, he plays Number 8. He played…
Hajime Kiso (木曽一,, Kiso Hajime) (born 7 November 1978) is a Japanese rugby union player, he plays Number 8. He played for Yamaha Jubilo, from 2001/02 to 2008/09. He plays currently for NTT Communications Shining Arcs. He had 32 caps for Japan national rugby union team, from 2001 to 2008, without scoring. He played six games at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.
Toru Kurihara (栗原 徹, Kurihara Tōru; born 12 August 1978 in Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese rugby union player. He…
Toru Kurihara (栗原 徹, Kurihara Tōru; born 12 August 1978 in Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese rugby union player. He plays as a fullback or wing. He played for Suntory Sungoliath. Kurihara had 27 caps for Japan, from 2000 to 2003, scoring 20 tries, 71 conversions and 35 penalties, 347 points on aggregate. He played four times at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, scoring 1 try, 4 conversions and 9 penalties, 40 points in aggregate. He has been absent from his National Team since then. Kurihara made History when he scored 6 tries and 15 conversions, 60 points on aggregate, in the 120–3 win over Taiwan, on 21 July 2002, in a Rugby World Cup qualifier, setting a new world record for points in a match.
Takanori Kumagae (熊谷皇紀, Kumagai kōki; born 1 January 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a…
Takanori Kumagae (熊谷皇紀, Kumagai kōki; born 1 January 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a lock. He spent his whole career playing for NEC Green Rockets in Japan's domestic Top League, playing a single season. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 1 appearance in the tournament. He made a further 25 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring one try.
Hitoshi Ono (大野均, Ōno Hitoshi; born May 6, 1978, in Kōriyama, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese rugby player. He plays…
Hitoshi Ono (大野均, Ōno Hitoshi; born May 6, 1978, in Kōriyama, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese rugby player. He plays at lock for the Japan national rugby union team. He is nicknamed the "Iron Man". Ono started playing rugby after converting from baseball at Nihon University where he was studying to become a firefighter. However, he changed careers and joined Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2001, with whom he has gone on to win the Top League four times. He made his international debut for Japan in 2004 against Korea. He became a regular member of the national team from there onwards and represented his country at both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup. Since Eddie Jones took over as Japan coach in 2012, he has not missed an international match, and has become the most capped player for Japan of all time. After the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, Ono's family dairy farm suffered greatly, and alongside prop Kensuke Hatakeyama who lost his home, he was named honorary captain for the Asian 5 Nations match with the UAE by coach John Kirwan to mark the team's solidarity for the cause. Ono is one of the 'Frontier Ambassadors' of his hometown Koriyama City. He retired from professional rugby in 2020
Brendan Neilson (born 5 April 1978) is a New Zealand-Japanese former rugby union player who played as a Centre in Japan…
Brendan Neilson (born 5 April 1978) is a New Zealand-Japanese former rugby union player who played as a Centre in Japan for Coca-Cola Red Sparks, NEC Green Rockets and Kamaishi Seawaves. He studied in Japan at Sendai Ikuei High School, then Ryutsu Keizai University. On graduation he first joined NEC Green Rockets. He has a bachelor's degree in tourism and social studies. In 2006, he obtained Japanese citizenship, though at international level he has yet to represent the senior Japan squad, having played for the Japan A and Under-23 sides. In April 2015, he began working as IBDP World History Instructor & Rugby Head Coach at Sendai Ikuei High School and is still currently there.
Hirotoki Onozawa (小野澤 宏時, Onozawa Hirotoki; born March 29, 1978 in Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese former rugby…
Hirotoki Onozawa (小野澤 宏時, Onozawa Hirotoki; born March 29, 1978 in Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played at Wing and occasionally Fullback for Canon Eagles. He previously played for Suntory Sungoliath and the Japan national rugby union team. Nicknamed "the eel" for his sharp sidestepping ability, Onozawa is the second most capped Japanese rugby player of all time, and fifth highest try scorer in international rugby. Despite spending much of his career in the shadow of Daisuke Ohata he is considered an all-time great of Japanese rugby in his own right.
Ryohei Miki (三木亮平, Miki Ryōhei) (born Tokyo, 24 March 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He played as wing…
Ryohei Miki (三木亮平, Miki Ryōhei) (born Tokyo, 24 March 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He played as wing and as centre.
Daisuke Ikezaki (池崎 大輔, Ikezaki Daisuke; born January 23, 1978 in Hakodate, Hokkaido) is a Japanese wheelchair rugby…
Daisuke Ikezaki (池崎 大輔, Ikezaki Daisuke; born January 23, 1978 in Hakodate, Hokkaido) is a Japanese wheelchair rugby player. On the club level, he currently plays for the Tokyo Suns.
Tomokazu Soma (相馬朋和, Sōma Tomokazu) (born 5 June 1977 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player. Soma has…
Tomokazu Soma (相馬朋和, Sōma Tomokazu) (born 5 June 1977 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player. Soma has played 24 matches for the Japan national rugby union team. Soma played three games for Japan at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Yuya Saito (斉藤 祐也, Saitō Yūya; born 28 April 1977) is a Japanese rugby union player. He plays as No. 8, currently for…
Yuya Saito (斉藤 祐也, Saitō Yūya; born 28 April 1977) is a Japanese rugby union player. He plays as No. 8, currently for Toyota Jido Shokki. He graduated from Meiji University and used to play for Suntory Sungoliath before he went to play professional rugby in France for about one season. He's a regular at Japan national rugby union team, having played at the 2003 Rugby World Cup finals. He played at full back (No. 15) for the first time for the Steelers versus Suntory in a game on Christmas Day 2004. He married former Olympic gold medalist swimmer Kyoko Iwasaki.
Tsuji Takashi (辻高志, Takashi Tsuji) (born 24 April 1977 in the Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese former rugby union…
Tsuji Takashi (辻高志, Takashi Tsuji) (born 24 April 1977 in the Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as scrum-half, he later became a coach, currently coaching NEC Green Rockets.
Teppei Tomioka (冨岡鉄平 Tomioka Teppei, born March 1, 1977) is the captain of the Toshiba Brave Lupus rugby team. He plays…
Teppei Tomioka (冨岡鉄平 Tomioka Teppei, born March 1, 1977) is the captain of the Toshiba Brave Lupus rugby team. He plays at centre. Originally from Fukuoka Prefecture, he was educated at Fukuoka Institute of Technology (Fukuoka Kougyou Daigaku). He is considered to be a powerful runner and leader of his team. He was voted the MVP of the Top League in 2007.
Masahiko Toyoyama (豊山昌彦, Toyoyama Masahiko) (born Osaka, 16 July 1976) is a Japanese former rugby union player who…
Masahiko Toyoyama (豊山昌彦, Toyoyama Masahiko) (born Osaka, 16 July 1976) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as prop.
Hideki Nanba (難波 英樹, Nanba Hideki), born 14 October 1974 in Yamanashi Prefecture, is a Japanese former rugby union…
Hideki Nanba (難波 英樹, Nanba Hideki), born 14 October 1974 in Yamanashi Prefecture, is a Japanese former rugby union player. He played as centre.
Tatsukichi Nishiura (西浦たつき, Nishiura Tatsuki; born 20 February 1976) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played…
Tatsukichi Nishiura (西浦たつき, Nishiura Tatsuki; born 20 February 1976) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a prop. He spent his whole career playing for Coca-Cola Red Sparks in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 50 times. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 3 appearances in the tournament. He made a further 14 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring one try against Italy.
Kensuke "Kenny" Iwabuchi (岩渕健輔 いわぶちけんすけ; born December 30, 1975, in Tokyo) is a Japanese rugby player and coach. He…
Kensuke "Kenny" Iwabuchi (岩渕健輔 いわぶちけんすけ; born December 30, 1975, in Tokyo) is a Japanese rugby player and coach. He plays at stand off, and has 20 caps for the Japan national rugby union team. He also captained the Japan sevens team in the third sevens World Cup and was the first Japanese player to play professional rugby in England.
Takuro Miuchi (箕内 拓郎, Miuchi Takuro, born December 11, 1975) is a Japanese rugby union player, who plays number eight.…
Takuro Miuchi (箕内 拓郎, Miuchi Takuro, born December 11, 1975) is a Japanese rugby union player, who plays number eight. He was captain of the Japan national rugby union team until relieved of that responsibility by Japan national team coach Jean-Pierre Elissalde in a surprise move during February 2006. He was recalled to the team for the IRB Pacific 5 Nations games, and has appeared in 2 World Cups - 2003 and 2007. He also plays for NEC Green Rockets in the Top League, and was the NEC captain before Ryota Asano. Under John Kirwan (appointed head coach January 1, 2007) he again became captain of Japan, and appeared in the Japanese squad for the 2007 World Cup and the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.
Wataru Ikeda (born 17 November 1975) is a Japanese former professional rugby union player. Born in Higashimatsushima…
Wataru Ikeda (born 17 November 1975) is a Japanese former professional rugby union player. Born in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Ikeda attended Miyagi Fisheries High School and got involved in rugby union as his elder brother was a player. He attended Ryutsu Keizai University. Ikeda, a scrum-half, was with Sanyo Wild Knights for the inaugural Top League season in 2003–04 and earned a place in the tournament's best XV. He made his international debut with Japan in 2004 and was in the team for three years, gaining 14 caps, some as captain. In 2008, Ikeda transferred to Ricoh Black Rams, where he remained for the remainder of his career. He was the competition's oldest player at 39-year of age in his final season.
Daisuke Ohata (大畑大介, Ōhata Daisuke; born November 11, 1975) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He usually played…
Daisuke Ohata (大畑大介, Ōhata Daisuke; born November 11, 1975) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He usually played on the wing, and sometimes at centre, for the Japanese national team. He made his name internationally as a speedy ace in the World Rugby Sevens Series (then known as the IRB World Sevens Series), and went on to become a regular member of the national team. He first played for Japan on November 9, 1996, and scored three tries that day. He is the leading rugby union test try scorer of all time. In November 2016, Ohata was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at the opening ceremony for the Hall's first physical location in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Naoya Okubo (大久保直弥, Ōkubo Naoya) (born 27 September 1975) is a former Japanese rugby union player. Okubo played 23…
Naoya Okubo (大久保直弥, Ōkubo Naoya) (born 27 September 1975) is a former Japanese rugby union player. Okubo played 23 matches for the Japan national rugby union team from 1999 to 2004. His regular playing positions were Flanker and Lock. As of December 2013 Okubo is the coach of Top League team Suntory Sungoliath. In 2015, Okubo became the coach of NTT Communications Shining Arcs. He was named the first Non-Kiwi coach of the Sunwolves in their last year of Super Rugby in 2020.
Tsuyoshi Kinoshita (born 5 July 1975) is a Japanese former international rugby union player.
Takafumi Hirao (平尾 剛史, Hirao Takafumi), also known as Tsuyoshi Hirao (平尾剛, Hirao Tsuyoshi), (born Osaka, 3 May 1975) is…
Takafumi Hirao (平尾 剛史, Hirao Takafumi), also known as Tsuyoshi Hirao (平尾剛, Hirao Tsuyoshi), (born Osaka, 3 May 1975) is a Japanese former rugby union player. He played as wing and as fullback. He is not related to the late Seiji Hirao. As of 2015 he works as teacher at Kobe Shinwa Women's University's Development and Education Faculty of Junior sports education Department, with "sports pedagogy", "kinematics" as field of specialization and "body and sports" and "sports education rooted in children's development" as research field.
Atsushi Koga (古賀淳, Koga Atsushi), sometimes translated erroneously as Jun Koga, (born Kanagawa Prefecture, 25 February…
Atsushi Koga (古賀淳, Koga Atsushi), sometimes translated erroneously as Jun Koga, (born Kanagawa Prefecture, 25 February 1975) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as Centre.
Masao Amino (網野 正大,, Amino Masao) (born in Yamanashi Prefecture, on 14 October 1974) is a Japanese former rugby union…
Masao Amino (網野 正大,, Amino Masao) (born in Yamanashi Prefecture, on 14 October 1974) is a Japanese former rugby union player and currently coach.
Yasunori Watanabe (渡辺泰憲, Watanabe Yasunori) (2 July 1974 – 3 April 2010) was a Japanese rugby player, who played for…
Yasunori Watanabe (渡辺泰憲, Watanabe Yasunori) (2 July 1974 – 3 April 2010) was a Japanese rugby player, who played for Japan in three Rugby World Cups from 1999 to 2007.
Yuji Sonoda (苑田 右二, Sonoda Yūji; born 5 July 1973 in Osaka) is a Japanese former rugby union player and currently…
Yuji Sonoda (苑田 右二, Sonoda Yūji; born 5 July 1973 in Osaka) is a Japanese former rugby union player and currently coach. He played as scrum-half. He is the current coach of Hosei University RFC. He is nicknamed "Son".
Hiroyuki Tanuma (田沼 広之, Tanuma Hiroyuki; born 24 May 1973 in Kanagawa) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He…
Hiroyuki Tanuma (田沼 広之, Tanuma Hiroyuki; born 24 May 1973 in Kanagawa) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He played as lock.
Keiji Hirose (廣瀬佳司, Hirose Keiji), born April 16, 1973, in Osaka) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He played as…
Keiji Hirose (廣瀬佳司, Hirose Keiji), born April 16, 1973, in Osaka) is a former Japanese rugby union player. He played as a fly-half. His club team was Toyota Verblitz. He was nicknamed Golden Boots (ゴールデン・ブーツ, Gôruden Būtsu). Hirose was awarded 40 caps for Japan; he made his debut in a 26–11 1995 Rugby World Cup qualifier win over South Korea, October 29, 1994, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In his career, Hirose scored 5 tries, 77 conversions, 79 penalties and 2 drop goals, reaching a national record of 422 points in aggregate. He was the primary goalkicker for Japan during his international career. He played in a single game at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the infamous 145–17 defeat to New Zealand. Hirose scored 2 conversions and 1 penalty in the game. In the 44–17 win over Tonga, at 8 May 1999, in Tokyo, during the Pacific Rim Championship, he kicked a then record of 9 penalties from 9 attempts. He played in all three of Japan's games at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. His 5 penalties and 4 conversions (a total of 23 points) led his country in scoring. Hirose again played only once at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, in a 32–11 defeat to Scotland, at 12 October 2003, scoring 2 penalties. His last international game came was on 5 November 2005, a 44–29 win over Spain, in Tokyo. Hirose had a memorable farewell, scoring 19 points through 5 conversions, 2 penalties and 1 drop goal. He was 32 years old.
Masaaki Sakata (坂田正彰, Sakata Masaaki) (born 25 November 1972 in Nagaokakyō), is a Japanese former rugby union player…
Masaaki Sakata (坂田正彰, Sakata Masaaki) (born 25 November 1972 in Nagaokakyō), is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as hooker.
Terunori Masuho (増保輝則, Masuho Terunori) (born 29 January 1972 in Tokyo) is a former rugby union player who played as a…
Terunori Masuho (増保輝則, Masuho Terunori) (born 29 January 1972 in Tokyo) is a former rugby union player who played as a wing and former Kobelco Steelers coach.
Yukio Motoki (元木由記雄, Motoki Yukio) (born Higashiōsaka, Osaka. August 27, 1971) is a former Japanese rugby union…
Yukio Motoki (元木由記雄, Motoki Yukio) (born Higashiōsaka, Osaka. August 27, 1971) is a former Japanese rugby union footballer. He played as a centre and was known for his powerful running and tackling.
Kazu Hamabe (浜辺和, Hamabe Kazu) (born Ishikawa Prefecture, 31 May 1971) is a former Japanese rugby union player who…
Kazu Hamabe (浜辺和, Hamabe Kazu) (born Ishikawa Prefecture, 31 May 1971) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as prop.
Takeomi Ito (伊藤剛臣, Itō Takeomi) (born April 11, 1971 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union footballer. He plays…
Takeomi Ito (伊藤剛臣, Itō Takeomi) (born April 11, 1971 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union footballer. He plays rugby as blindside flanker or no.8 for Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Top League and also in the Japan national rugby union team. He played in both the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.
Ko Izawa (井沢航, Izawa Kō), known also as Ko Nakamura (中村 航, Nakamura Kō) or Kozo Nakamura (中村航三, Nakamura Kōzō) (born…
Ko Izawa (井沢航, Izawa Kō), known also as Ko Nakamura (中村 航, Nakamura Kō) or Kozo Nakamura (中村航三, Nakamura Kōzō) (born Kanagawa, 16 July 1970) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a flanker.