A Message from the JRFU for Tokyo 2020

As identified in Japan Rugby’s Mid-term Strategic Plan 2021-2023, published in March 2021, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) will continue its pursuit of an Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The Men’s and Women’s Sevens National Teams have been preparing day after day, through a series of training camps, under difficult circumstances and facing many challenges. As they finally take the field at these Olympic Games, they will feel the cheers and support of their fans in their hearts. Please cheer them loudly, even in front of your TV, phone or computer – as they will surely feel your support in Tokyo Stadium.

Upon participating at Tokyo 2020, the Japan Rugby Football Union hereby makes the following declarations and confirms to our global rugby family our commitment to make every effort to realize an inclusive society where everyone can live freely and comfortably:

• We, the Japan Rugby Football Union, will continue to spread World Rugby’s Playing Charter that incorporates the defining, character building characteristics of rugby- Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect – to promote understanding of inclusive society and contribute to its realization.

• We, the Japan Rugby Football Union, will demonstrate that players of different origins, nationalities, languages and cultures, as well as various physical sizes and characteristics, can be part of our ‘ONE TEAM’, in the pursuit of stronger Japanese national rugby, to perform successfully in front of our fans, and the wider society. In doing so, we will embody diversity and inclusion, promote understanding of inclusive society and contribute to its realization.

I would like to express my appreciation for being able to contribute to the realization of a society where everyone can shine in their own way and respect each other through the game of rugby. I respectfully ask for your kind understanding and support in this mission.

Shigetaka Mori

President

Japan Rugby Football Union

Message from Players

Michael Leitch, Toshiba Brave Lupus & Japan Men’s National Team Captain:

“Sport has the power to change the world and deliver a brighter and more positive future. I strongly believe that through rugby, we can contribute to the realization of a society where everyone can freely live their lives. In the Japanese national rugby team, there are many players of different physical sizes, characteristics and backgrounds. We respect each other as ONE TEAM. I ask each and every one of us to think about what we can do as individuals to help make a society where everyone can live freely as themselves.”

Airi Murakami, Musashino Artemi-Stars & Japan Woman’s Nation Team 2019:

“I used to have a hard time being accepted for my sexual orientation. My rugby team is very accepting of me and has become a place where I can be myself. I believe that compassion and understanding is important as human beings, in order to realize a society without discrimination. I would like to work hard together, through rugby so that we can create a place where everyone can shine equally as themselves.”