JAPAN’S oldest rugby club will make a pilgrimage to the place where the game began next week.
The All Mitsubishi Rugby Football Club (AMRFC) will visit Rugby School on Tuesday (March 20) as part of a week-long UK tour to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
AMRFC’s first and second teams were founded in 1928. The club now boasts a total of 22 teams from across 16 Mitsubishi companies.
The tour will include matches against Gloucester Rugby and Swansea-based Amman United, and an anniversary reception at Westminster Palace.
A spokesman said the Rugby School visit was arranged so players could “share their enthusiasm for the sport and UK-Japan relations”.
AMRFC chairman Atsushi Maekawa said: “As a club we have conducted eight overseas tours during our 90 years history and we are sure of the value these trips afford our employees.
“Our team members not only improve as rugby players but establish invaluable life skills and friendships through international exchange.”
Ryoma Tokuda, who plays lock for AMRFC, said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play against strong UK teams and develop skills that I can take back to my career both on and off the pitch.”
