Japan’s Rugby Team Arrives in France ahead of World Cup

Kazuki Himeno, left, captain of the national rugby team, and coach Jamie Joseph attend a Saturday press conference in Toulouse, France.
12:45 JST, September 3, 2023
TOULOUSE, France — Japan’s national team has arrived at its training base in Toulouse, France, ahead of the Rugby World Cup that kicks off on Friday.
“We’ve worked hard over the past four years to compete at this World Cup,” Brave Blossoms captain Kazuki Himeno said at a Saturday press conference after arriving in the European country. “Myself as well as everyone on the entire team are excited.”
Himeno referred to the splendid performance the men’s team has put on at the Basketball World Cup in Okinawa Prefecture, where on Saturday night it secured a ticket to next year’s Paris Olympics.
“We’re inspired by them,” he said. “We’ll work hard so that rugby’s national team can bring a sense of excitement and encouragement to all of Japan.”
The Brave Blossoms face off against Chile on Sunday in Toulouse in their first Cup match.
"Sports" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Only Remaining Yokozuna Terunofuji to Retire: Rose to Top from 2nd Lowest Division (UPDATE1)
-
Ichiro Thanks Wife, Mentor after Hall of Fame Vote; Calls Cooperstown Entry His ‘Greatest Recognition as Player’
-
Mongolian Hoshoryu Still Coming to Grips with Remarkable Victory that Propelled Him to Sumo’s Highest Rank
-
Japan Sumo Association Officially Promotes Hoshoryu to Yokozuna; Becomes 6th from Mongolia, 74th Overall to Hold Top Rank
-
Sumo: Hoshoryu Captures New Year Title in 3-Way Playoff
JN ACCESS RANKING