Players celebrate after claiming their first university national championship in seven years
The Rugby Football Club faced Waseda University in the final of the 62nd All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship, held at the Japan National Stadium (Shinjuku, Tokyo), and secured a 22–10 victory on January 11. With this win, the team captured its 14th national university title, marking its first championship in seven years.
Comments from Head Coach KAMITORI Hiroyuki
Thank you very much for today. We were able to play the game in a wonderful environment and against a wonderful opponent, and to finish it by winning the championship. I am proud of every member of the team, including those who took the field. On this biggest stage, the students demonstrated the very best performance they are capable of. I am grateful to everyone involved, and I would like to say to the students, “Congratulations, truly well done.”
Comments from TAIRA Shota (4th year, School of Commerce)
Over the past week, we prepared under the theme of “All Connect,” and I believe it was great that not only the players on the field, but also the members off the field and our fans were able to unite and fight as one. I also think our victory came from the 15 players on the field fully demonstrating, for the full 80 minutes, the defense we had been strengthening throughout the week. Thank you very much for today.
TASHIRO Daisuke scores the go-ahead try
Players execute a successful lineout
ITO Ryunosuke sprints forward, capitalizing on a momentary opening
After the try, he celebrates exuberantly with his teammates
TAIRA Shota takes the conversion kick
OKAWA Kotaro evades the defense to score a try
The team celebrates its first national university championship in seven years
Head Coach KAMITORI Hiroyuki responds to an interview after the match
Captain TAIRA Shota is lifted into the air by his teammates
United as one team, they achieve the national university championship