A Message from the President

On behalf of the Japan Rugby Football Union, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders for their continued support of the JRFU and Japanese Rugby. To all our players, fans, volunteers, sponsors, staff, and supporters in Japan and around the world, thank you for invaluable contribution to Japanese rugby

Back in 2019, the Rugby World Cup was an incredible success. It captured the imagination of the entire country and dramatically increased the awareness of the Brave Blossoms, as well as rugby at all levels across Japan. This great achievement was built on the efforts and contribution of all the people who have supported and been involved in Japanese Rugby throughout the years. We firmly believe it is the mission of the JRFU to reinforce this legacy for future generations and to utilise the energy and goodwill created, to further develop Japanese rugby into the future.

Looking ahead, the JRFU have put in place a number of key priorities, including our ambition to bring Rugby World Cup back to Japan. We will also work hard to evolve the JRFU into a world class rugby administration, one that works on an equal footing with the top unions of the world and an organisation in which the Japanese rugby family can be truly proud.

We will strengthen our national teams so they can aim for the top four, or higher, in both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups and become medal winners in Sevens at the Olympics. We will also work to develop our referees to a standard where they can officiate at the level of a Rugby World Cup, and we must continue in our efforts to promote women's rugby.

The JRFU will also work to increase participation and involvement across all formats of rugby throughout Japan by creating an environment in which as many children as possible can play rugby, while also supporting players throughout our rugby family, as well as coaches and player’s families.

We will continue to work together with players, teams, officials, and fans with the goal of making Japan the country in which rugby is the most accessible – to play, to be involved in, to support and to enjoy as a fan.

We look forward to your ongoing support for the further development of Japanese Rugby.

Masato Tsuchida

President of the Japan Rugby Football Union

July 2022