Rugby One year after the historic victory How to connect that heat September 28, 6:55
It's been 28 days since Japan won a historic victory over the powerful Ireland in the second leg of the first league at last year's Rugby World Cup Japan Tournament.
The popularity of rugby increased at a stretch at this time, but the situation was completely changed by the new coronavirus.
While infection prevention is a top priority, we are beginning to explore how to connect that heat in the future.
Last November.
The rugby school in Tokyo was flooded with small children.
The popularity of rugby has risen at a stretch following the World Cup.
However, when I visited the same school this month, I couldn't find a small child there.
The class for young children, which had nearly 100 students, was not held last February because of the large number of children and the difficulty of preventing infection.
Currently, elementary and junior high school students are resuming practice at this school in accordance with the guidelines of the Japan Rugby Union.
Disinfect frequently during practice.
The coach uses a loudspeaker and an electronic whistle to prevent the flight from spreading.
Various measures were required, such as placing luggage at intervals of 2 meters.
(Coach Yoshikazu Yamada, Setagaya-ku Rugby School)
"Before the game, there are places where everyone gets together and gets smaller and talks to each other, but I can't do that. New measures are now required."
Impact on the entire rugby world
The effects of the new coronavirus are widespread throughout the rugby world.
The activities of the Japanese national team will be suspended within the year.
The national tournament for junior high school students has also been cancelled.
Former Japan national rugby captain Toshiaki Hirose believes that now is the time to devise opportunities to experience the competition in order to connect the popularity of rugby last year to the future.
(Former captain of Japan, Toshiaki Hirose)
"I think that the fire has not completely disappeared from my thoughts on rugby, and it seems that people will be interested in rugby again or sports. It is important to make a place "
Opportunity to touch rugby
Under these circumstances, grassroots activities have also begun to secure opportunities to come into contact with rugby.
This month, four strong teams in the Kanto region jointly held an exchange game.
Coaches called for and realized it for junior high school students who lost the national competition.
Only one family member can enter as an infection prevention measure.
For those who couldn't enter the venue, the match was broadcast using an internet video posting site.
The players who participated responded to the handmade exchange game with hard play.
(Captain Ryohei Takagi, Setagaya-ku Rugby School)
"I thought again that a match with good tension is good."
“Potential, chance”
Former Japan national team Toshiaki Hirose hopes that widespread grassroots movement will help maintain the enthusiasm for rugby.
(Former captain of Japan, Toshiaki Hirose)
"Rugby, of course, has contacts, but I think there are still possibilities and opportunities to prevent (infection) by the rules and mechanisms before that. I'm doing it. "