2024 was a bumper yr for watching rugby by my requirements as I attended twice as many matches as I’ve ever seen in any earlier yr.
Extra importantly, it now provides me the chance for my first ever high 10 compilation publish for rugby matches however earlier than we get into the rankings record let me give a bit shout-out to the 2 NEC Inexperienced Rockets gamers I met on the St. Patrick’s Day occasion in Yoyogi Park.
Just a few of those have had their very own weblog posts however the majority of them weren’t actually thought of to be worthy of a solitary publish so I’ve collated them into this rankings record. As with my soccer compilation posts, it’s actually not one to be taken too significantly because it’s based mostly on a combination of event, climate, folks I met, and perhaps even the rugby itself! In contrast to the soccer compilations, the stadia received’t play an excessive amount of of a component as all of them occurred at simply 4 totally different stadiums!
10. Mie Honda Warmth 21-50 Yokohama Canon Eagles @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Floor, Minato-ku (Tokyo), March 1st.
My first match of 2024, and due to this fact the one furthest again in my reminiscence which can clarify why it’s final! This was a relatively one-sided match which was executed and dusted far too early for my liking.
9. Teikyo College 48-28 Meiji College @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Floor, Minato-ku (Tokyo), November seventeenth.
It might have been mid-November however it was brutally sunny and I even acquired sunburned as I watched my first ever College rugby match. I knew such rugby was fairly common however actually wasn’t anticipating an enormous crowd to be current which was greater than for lots of the skilled matches seen at this floor.
8. Fiji 22-3 USA @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Floor, Minato-ku (Tokyo), September 14th.
Worldwide rugby is what it’s all about for me and eventual Pacific Nations Cup champions confirmed their class right here within the first semi-final in opposition to the USA on an extremely sizzling and sweaty summer season night.
7. Tokyo Sungoliath 31-31 Shizuoka Blue Revs @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Floor, Minato-ku (Tokyo), April nineteenth.
Tied matches in rugby are fairly uncommon and this was my first time to witness such a draw. The method of getting there was fairly thrilling too however as a impartial it felt a bit unusual to stroll away from this match with no winner.
6. Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks 41-33 Kyuden Voltex @ Yumenoshima Athletic Stadium, Koto-ku (Tokyo), December twenty eighth.
It was an extended wait to lastly see a match at this stadium, and it didn’t take lengthy to see a strive within the first minute; the quickest I’ve ever witnessed in particular person. A free bobble hat was included within the ticket and I acquired to satisfy (and have an extended chat) wih former Leicester Tigers participant Terrence Hepetema pre-match which was great.
5. Waseda College 27-24 Meiji College @ Japan Nationwide Stadium, Shinjuku-ku (Tokyo), 1st December.
40,000 followers packed into the stadium for the one hundredth conflict between these universities. Meiji have been so near profitable it within the last play of the sport however an exquisite sort out saved the day for Waseda.
4. Yokohama Canon Eagle 26-29 Kubota Spears @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Floor, Minato-ku (Tokyo), March fifteenth.
A incredible climax to this event as Spears nicked it proper on the loss of life having as soon as trailed by 18 factors across the halfway level of the second half. An unbelievable turnaround when it appeared like curtains for the 2023 league champions.
3. Japan 17-52 England @ Japan Nationwide Stadium, Shinjuku-ku (Tokyo), twenty second June.
It has lengthy been my dream to see these two groups face off, and I used to be joined by two good associates for an exquisite day. The match wasn’t so wonderful and was relatively one-way visitors however small issues like that received’t cease me inserting this one fairly excessive within the rankings. Extra particulars right here.
2. Toshiba Courageous Lupus Tokyo 24-20 Saitama Wild Knights @ Japan Nationwide Stadium, Shinjuku-ku (Tokyo), twenty sixth Might.
Going into this match, Saitama Wild Knights had a 100% document. Courageous Lupus had solely misplaced as soon as, and that was in fact to the Wild Knights however they acquired their revenge however it’s a must to really feel for a facet that received each single match however did not win the title! There have been twists and turns aplenty at this incredible play-off last match. Extra particulars right here.
1. NEC Inexperienced Rockets vs. Toyota Shuttles @ Kashiwanoha Park, Kashiwa (Chiba Prefecture), twenty fourth March.
A second tier match at primary however that had nothing to do with the on-the-field motion though that was fairly good too, and certainly it was an explosive begin earlier than the house staff took management.
After the match I waited round for about half an hour, and was the final particular person in the primary stand and completely determined for the bathroom after I met one in every of my rugby heroes. Freddie Burns is a Leicester Tigers rugby legend having scored the final minute drop-goal within the 2022 Premiership rugby last in England however is now plying his commerce in Japan. This match actually wasn’t his most interesting however to his credit score he placed on a courageous face after the match and gave me about ten minutes of his time which he actually didn’t have to. I’ll endlessly be grateful. Extra particulars right here.
Click on right here to learn ‘Rugby Followers Ought to “Attempt” & Go to This Themed Shrine In Kyoto!’
Click on right here to learn ‘Witnessing Historical past As England Play A Rugby Match In Japan For The First Time In 45 Years!’
Click on right here to learn ‘Twists & Turns Aplenty At Japan’s Title-Deciding Rugby Play-Off Last’
Click on right here to learn ‘I Met A Leicester Tigers & England Rugby Union Legend’