Keio University Rugby Club Celebrates New Sponsor
In an exciting development for the Keio University Rugby Club, they have officially signed a sponsorship deal with SoftBank Corporation. This agreement, effective October 1, 2025, comes as the club continues its commitment to excellence in rugby and education, as well as social contribution. The partnership will support the team’s growth and performance through the valuable contributions of three prominent sponsors, including Taisho Pharmaceutical and IMON Enterprise.
The announcement of SoftBank's sponsorship aligns with a historic moment for the rugby community, as the club prepares for the 100th annual match against Meiji University on November 2. During this landmark game, players will proudly sport the SoftBank logo on their rugby shorts, marking a significant milestone in their competitive journey.
The addition of SoftBank to the roster of sponsors is a testament to the club’s long-standing legacy in Japanese rugby, which now spans over 126 years. The collaboration aims not only to boost the players' competitive spirit but also to foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and innovation within the team.
Sponsor Overview
The sponsorship agreement with SoftBank includes the placement of their logo on the back of the players' rugby shorts. Other established sponsors, such as Taisho Pharmaceutical, will have their logo featured prominently on the front of all official jerseys, specifically showcasing ‘Lipovitan D’, while IMON Enterprise's logo will be displayed on the back. This unified visual representation emphasizes the essential role that these companies play in supporting the club and enhancing its competitiveness.
- - SoftBank Corporation: Logo placement on the back of rugby shorts.
- - Taisho Pharmaceutical: Logo on the chest area of all jerseys.
- - IMON Enterprise: Logo on the back of all jerseys.
New Uniform Design
The new uniforms maintain the cherished traditional black and yellow color scheme, now infused with contemporary touches. The front of the jerseys will feature the Taisho Pharmaceutical logo, while IMON's branding will be present on the back, all complemented by the SoftBank logo on the shorts. This design reinforces the club's dedication to its roots while embracing modernity.
Team Sentiment
The coaching staff and players express immense gratitude towards the new sponsors. Head Coach Hiroyuki Aoki shared his appreciation, stating, “With the support of SoftBank and current partners, we are poised to create a new chapter in Keio rugby’s rich history. Our participation in the 100th Meiji University match wearing these new uniforms carries significant importance.”
Team Captain Ryuhei Konno echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the honor of showcasing the SoftBank logo. “Wearing this logo brings pride to our team. We are committed to representing our supporters, traditions, and our fierce desire to win in every match.”
As the Keio University Rugby Club embarks on this new partnership journey, they call upon fans and supporters to rally behind the team as they work toward building a future that honors their past while striving for victory on the field.