A group of SMB College Group’s Leicester Tigers programme Students have been in Japan for a week now, representing England for the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament 2023!
The tournament, hosted at Global Arena in Munakata City, Fukuoka, is focused on developing, strengthening and promoting the game of rugby while fostering healthy development and international cultural exchange between the teams.
During their first week, students participated in the tournament's opening ceremony, a cultural celebration of the countries represented at the tournament; Australia, Taiwan ROC, England, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan, which included greetings from the President of Japan Rugby.
The students have encountered some challenging games so far, including a narrow 26-14 defeat against the highly ranked Japanese team from Keio High School in Kanagawa, as well as another close loss of 27-15 against Napier Boys School - the second-best team in New Zealand!
Spirits remain high as the team head into their second week.
Outside of the tournament, students have had the chance to take in some of the culture and history of Japan, including visiting the city of Hiroshima, paying respect at the Peace Memorial Park and riding on the famous bullet train.
Assistant Principal of Sport, James Thorne, said 'We are extremely proud of the students, they have been playing with a lot of pride and passion, and have taken to Japanese culture with respect and interest.'
So far, the tournament has given the students an incredible competitive rugby experience, with the opportunity to play against some very highly ranked teams on a world stage, while also allowing them to experience the culture of Japan.
As a part of their trip, the students are raising money and awareness for the Matt Hampson Foundation, inspiring and supporting young people who are seriously injured through sport at their Get Busy Living centre in Leicestershire. The centre provides expert physiotherapy, specialist personal training, support, mentoring and advice to people suffering a life-changing injury.
So far students have raised over £7000 but there’s still more that can be done, donate today at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brooksbytojapan!
There’s still time to apply for the Leicester Tigers Programme at SMB College Group! Visit the college website to register for a Brooksby Campus Open Day or to make your application today! www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk