New Year’s Greeting from the JRFU

Dear Rugby Family,

On behalf of all of us at the Japan Rugby Football Union, I would like to extend our warmest greetings for the New Year!

This year the JRFU will celebrate its centenary year. In doing so, we wish to honour and express our gratitude to the countless pioneers who dedicated themselves to the development of rugby here in Japan and pledge to continue this progress.

Guided by our mission to make rugby the most accessible sport in the world, we will strive every day to expand the rugby community, enhance competitive performance and achieve success in international tournaments. We will work hard to ensure that rugby is accessible to all and that it remains a sport that contributes meaningfully to the betterment of society.

In our centenary year, we will make significant strides towards our goal of bringing the Rugby World Cup back to Japan, while also continuing our mission to develop the JRFU into a world class rugby administration.

Guided by the spirit passed down from our predecessors and rugby’s five core values of Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect, we shall unite with you all, carrying the ball forward as one, striving together to achieve our goals.

We humbly request your continued and steadfast support and sincerely hope that this year brings you every success.

Masato Tsuchida
President of the Japan Rugby Football Union
January 1, 2026