Players from Kubota Spears Funabashi and Tokyo Bay, who won the first rugby League One title this season, visited an elementary school in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, where they are based, and held a rugby class.
Visiting Hōken Higashi Elementary School in Funabashi City were six players and coaches from Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay, who won the final of the rugby League One play-off tournament for the first time this month.
Approximately 6 fourth-year students interacted with each other in "tag rugby," in which players took a tag attached to their hips instead of a tackle to stop the opponent's movement and aim for a try.
Under the guidance of the players and coaches, the children showed some awkward movements at first, but once they got used to it, they feinted and dodged opponents well to score tries.
The girls who participated said, "It was fun because the players kindly taught me, and although it was difficult to carry the ball, I would like to try again and go to see the actual match."
Oppeti Hell, who was also voted Best Fifteen for his particularly successful performance in League One this season, said, "Teaching is a different challenge than playing, but it was a lot of fun to watch the children enjoy rugby and grow."