JRFU Introduces “T1 RUGBY” to Japanese Media in Tokyo Tournament
The JRFU brought together around 50 journalists and broadcasters, along with a handful of former Japan national team players, for a special “T1 RUGBY” tournament in central Tokyo. The event was designed to introduce participants to this new and exciting non-contact format of the game.
Developed by World Rugby, “T1 RUGBY” has been created as the new non-contact version of rugby to retain the sport’s distinctive elements, including scrums, lineouts and the breakdown. It is intended to provide a fun, welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to experience rugby.
With their mission to grow the game among wider segments of the Japanese public, the JRFU recognises T1 RUGBY as a safe, accessible and enjoyable entry point. While other non-contact formats such as touch and tag rugby are already played in Japan, T1 RUGBY’s unique feature is the inclusion of scrums, lineouts and mauls — all within a safe, non-contact framework.
Commenting on the introduction of T1 RUGBY into Japan, JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi said:
“Traditional, full-contact rugby has its appeal and history as the primary and original format of our game, but it also presents challenges when it comes to promoting the sport to new participants and ensuring that everyone can enjoy it. Under the game’s standard rules, it’s difficult for players of different generations to play together. This new form of rugby can be a popular way for everyone to enjoy the game together, while also learning to appreciate the unique attributes and aspects of the traditional game.”
JRFU Chief Development Officer Naofumi Yasui added:
“T1 RUGBY can serve as a gateway to understanding rugby for young people just starting out. It can also be a way to bring players back into the game who have moved away from it due to work or other commitments. We aim to increase the number of people who experience T1 RUGBY to build participation, while also developing the appreciation and love of rugby among new audiences.”
The T1 RUGBY Media Tournament featured six teams of 12 players competing in a round-robin format on a mild, sunny spring afternoon in Tokyo. Each team included one or two former national team players from Japan’s men’s and women’s fifteens and sevens sides. Media participants ranged from experienced players to those holding a rugby ball for the first time.
The diversity of experience on display highlighted the adaptability and inclusiveness of T1 RUGBY. Participants had the opportunity to run with the ball, take part in scrums, mauls and lineouts, and enjoy the camaraderie of an outdoor team sport in the afternoon Spring sunshine.
At the conclusion of the tournament, 98-capped, former Brave Blossoms lock Hitoshi Ono said:
“I think everybody enjoyed today’s event as much as I did. This type of non-contact rugby is really important as it allows new players the opportunity to experience and enjoy rugby in a safe and accessible way. The rules are great and make the game both fun and interesting. I’m sure T1 RUGBY can grow to be a really important platform for bringing more players into our game here in Japan.”