In front of a capacity crowd at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Meiji University Athletic Association's Rugby Football Club defeated Waseda University 36-7 in the final game of the divisional competition among Kanto universities on December 1. The team captured the championship for the first time in four years since 2015. This was the 95th time this traditional match has been held, and both the Meiji University and Waseda University teams reached the match with perfect records. It was the first time in 21 years, since 1998, that the Meiji University team had a perfect record.
After the match, captain Hinata Takei (senior in the School of Commerce) talked about his enthusiasm to be taking part in the All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship, which will be played next. “I felt the team has grown. This victory is because all 15 players fulfilled their roles. The significance of the up-coming All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship has more to do with this year’s team being the best in Japan than the team capturing the title for a consecutive year. We want to continue to grow so that we can embody evolution.”
After the match, captain Hinata Takei (senior in the School of Commerce) talked about his enthusiasm to be taking part in the All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship, which will be played next. “I felt the team has grown. This victory is because all 15 players fulfilled their roles. The significance of the up-coming All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship has more to do with this year’s team being the best in Japan than the team capturing the title for a consecutive year. We want to continue to grow so that we can embody evolution.”
Man of the Match, Ryuga Hashimoto
Try by Hinata Takei in 2nd minute of second half
Try by Hinata Takei in 8th minute of second half puts Meiji farther ahead
Tomoya Yamamura makes deciding score in lost time