50th Japan National University Rugby Championship Final

TOKYO (Jan. 12) – Teikyo University won their fifth straight collegiate championship on Sunday when they overcame a spirited challenge from Waseda University, winning 41-34.

Played in front of 27,224 at the National Stadium, the game got off to a sensational start with Waseda wing Takeshi Ogino scoring the first of his three tries straight from the kick-off.

But with their pack laying the foundations and their backs always looking dangerous, Teikyo fought back to lead 12-10 at the break on the back of a tries by Naohiro Kotaki and Ryota Fukamura.

Teikyo started the second half at a gallop and a try by Yasunari Isoda followed by a brace from flyhalf Rikiya Matsuda saw them lead 34-10 with 56 minutes on the clock.

Waseda hit back though and closed to within five points with Ogino completing his hat-trick and Yuki Tsubogo also touching down.

But Teikyo’s forwards regained the initiative and Atsushi Sakate’s try, converted by Japan international Ryota Nakamura, meant Tsubogo’s second try on the final whistle was nothing more than a consolation.

The game marked the 50th playing of the tournament and was the last final to be played at the National Stadium, which will be demolished in order for a new stadium to be built in time for Rugby World Cup 2019.