Japan Rugby Football Union & JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE Joint Fundraising Initiative

The Japan Rugby Football Union and JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE has today announced a fundraising initiative to support the people of Tonga following the recent underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami on January 15. Japan’s rugby family are invited to make donations to one of two donation accounts set up by the JRFU and JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE.

All funds raised will go to support reconstruction efforts in the affected communities in cooperation with the Japanese Red Cross Society. Funds may also be used to support Tonga Rugby for the provision of supplies and assistance in reestablishing local rugby activities.

Donation Account One:

Fundraising Organization: Japan Rugby Football Union　

Donation Bank Account: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (0009), Aoyama Branch (0258), Ordinary Account No. 7374665

Account Name:

公益財団法人 日本ラグビーフットボール協会 トンガ救援金ザイ）ニホンラグビーフットボールキョウカイ　トンガキュウエンキン

Donation to: Japanese Red Cross Society

Please note that transfers via internet banking (SMBC Direct) will not incur transfer fees. Donations are classified as a ‘general donation’ under the tax law and are not tax deductible for individuals.

Donation Account Two:

Fundraising Organization: JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE, Inc.　

Donation Bank Account: Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (0005), Toranomon Branch (041), Ordinary Account No. 1505183

Account Name: 一般社団法人ジャパンラグビーリーグワン　トンガ救援金

イッパンシャダンホウジンジャパンラグビーリーグワントンガキュウエンキン

Donation to: Japanese Red Cross Society and others (Tonga Rugby)　　

Please note that transfer fees will be waived for transactions made directly at Mitsubishi UFJ branches and head office. (This does not apply to ATM fees). Donations are classified as a ‘general donation’ under the tax law and are not tax deductible for individuals.

Commenting on the fundraising initiative, Shigetaka Mori, President of Japan Rugby Football Union said:

“I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the recent events in Tonga. Japanese and Tongan rugby has a long and deep bond. We have many players of Tongan origin in our national teams and Tonga is widely represented throughout our rugby family, including many young players at university and high school level. The contribution of players from Tonga has had a massive impact that will be forever etched in the history of Japanese rugby.

“The JRFU, in collaboration with our member organizations, will begin accepting donations from across our rugby family so that much needed support can reach the people of Tonga as quickly as possible. We will also work with World Rugby and the Tonga Rugby Union to support rugby activities in Tonga. We would appreciate your warm support and sincerely hope for the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas.”

Genichi Tamatsuka, Chairman of JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE commented:

“On behalf of JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE, I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the recent events in Tonga. There are currently around 50 players from Tonga playing in the JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE and we know that they and their families here in Japan are deeply concerned for their family members and communities back home.

“Tongan players have made, and continue to make, a massive contribution to Japanese rugby. For the sake of our friends in Tonga, the Japanese rugby community and JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE we will continue to work with the JRFU to provide support to people in affected areas. Many clubs have already started their own activities, so in the spirit of ‘ONE FOR ALL’, the JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE, together with clubs and players, will work together to support the people of Tonga and the Tongan rugby family. We would like to ask all rugby fans for their cooperation and for their warm support of this initiative.”