Meiji Rugby: 14th National University Championship Win

On January 11th, the Athletic Association Rugby Club played against Waseda University in the final of the 62nd National University Rugby Football Championship held at the National Stadium (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) and won 22-10. It was the 14th time in seven years that they were crowned the best university in Japan.

Meiji University took the lead with a penalty goal in the 9th minute of the first half, but Daisuke Tashiro (3rd year, Faculty of Business Administration) scored a try in the 19th minute. Captain Shota Taira (4th year, Faculty of Commerce) scores a conversion goal to take the lead to 7-3.

Daisuke Tashiro scores a come-from-behind try

Players deciding the lineout

In the 33rd minute, Ryunosuke Ito (3rd year, Faculty of Commerce) escaped from the lineout in front of the goal and scored a try. Taira scored another conversion goal to bring the score to 14-3 at halftime.

Ryunosuke Ito ran in without missing a moment’s opportunity.

After the try, he and his teammates exploded with joy.

Shota Taira kicking a conversion kick

Eight minutes into the second half, Takuro Okawa (3rd year law student) scored a try, making the score 19-3. Furthermore, in the 20th minute, Taira calmly scored a penalty goal, extending the lead to 22-3.

Tora Takuro Okawa evades the opponent’s defense and scores a try.

Then, in the 32nd minute, Waseda University’s try and conversion goal made it 22-10, but they were able to repel Waseda’s onslaught and stay in the side. They remained focused until the end, embodying the idea of ​​“forward” rugby, and won the national university championship for the first time in seven years.

Ranked number one university in Japan for the first time in seven years

Coach Hiroyuki Kamitori giving an interview after the match

Comments from director Hiroyuki Kamitori at the press conference

Thank you very much for today. We were able to play in a great environment and against a great opponent, and we were able to finish off the match with a win. I am proud of all the members of the club, including the players who participated in the game. The students showed their best performance on this big stage. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone and say “congratulations” to the students.

Comments from Shota Taira (4th year, Faculty of Commerce) at the press conference

We have been preparing for the past week under the theme of “All connect,” and I think it was great that the members off the field and the fans were able to fight as one. I also believe that the 15 players on the field were able to demonstrate the defense that we have strengthened over the past week for 80 minutes, which led to our victory. Thank you very much for today.

Captain Shota Taira is raised by his teammates

The team worked together to become the best university in Japan.

• Meiji University Athletic Association Rugby Club Official Website
• Support for athletic clubs Future Supporter Fundraising (Sports Support Fund)
• Meiji NOW SPORTS (Meiji University Sports Comprehensive Site)