Okayama University's Rugby Team Advances to National Championships After 19 Years
On December 28, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama city and led by President Yasuyuki Nasu, celebrated a significant achievement. The university’s rugby team clinched victory in the representative match for the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, securing their spot in the 76th National Collegiate Rugby Championship.
This remarkable accomplishment marks the team’s second appearance in the national tournament in 19 years, showcasing their growth and commitment to the sport. That day, on November 2, 2025, the match took place at the International Pacific University Ground, where Okayama University faced off against Matsuyama University. The final score was an impressive 72 to 14, with Okayama dominating the game.
The team finished second in the Chugoku university league, earning their place in this decisive showdown. Captain Takayuki Isshiki, a senior in the economics department, reflected on the team’s journey: "We have fought hard for our goal of participating in the national tournament. Overcoming many challenges has brought us to this dream stage. As representatives of Chugoku and Shikoku, we carry a proud responsibility and will battle with our teammates, believing in each other until the final whistle, with smiles on our faces."
Further emphasizing the collective effort, team manager Taki Hirai, a junior in the engineering department, stated, "Our success is attributed not only to the players’ hard work but also to the dedicated support from our managers and the cooperation of our alumni. Together, we aim for victory at the national championships."
The rugby matches will continue, with Okayama University set to compete in a key game on December 29, 2025, at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Ground in Aichi Prefecture. The anticipation is high as they prepare to step onto this prestigious stage, aiming to make their mark in the tournament.
Details of the national championship are as follows: Date - December 29, 2025; Time - 9:30 AM; Venue - Paloma Mizuho Rugby Ground, Aichi Prefecture; Opponent - Yamanashi Gakuin University.
Images captured during matches illustrate the spirit of teamwork that defines the Okayama University Rugby Club. Views of successful lineouts and celebrations after tries highlight the collective joy of the rugby players. The pride in their significant triumph is reflected in group photos that encapsulate their journey thus far.
For more information, visit the Okayama University Rugby Club’s official page: Okayama University Rugby Club.
As part of a broader commitment, Okayama University supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has received an honorary award from the Japanese government for its efforts in this area. Aiming to strengthen its role as a core research university that fosters collaboration with local communities, Okayama University looks forward to building a better future together through education and innovative research initiatives.
In conclusion, the determination and achievements of the Okayama University Rugby team serve not only as a beacon of hope for their supporters but also as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. As they prepare for the upcoming national tournament, it is clear that the spirit of Okayama University is alive and thriving in every game they play.
This remarkable accomplishment marks the team’s second appearance in the national tournament in 19 years, showcasing their growth and commitment to the sport. That day, on November 2, 2025, the match took place at the International Pacific University Ground, where Okayama University faced off against Matsuyama University. The final score was an impressive 72 to 14, with Okayama dominating the game.
The team finished second in the Chugoku university league, earning their place in this decisive showdown. Captain Takayuki Isshiki, a senior in the economics department, reflected on the team’s journey: "We have fought hard for our goal of participating in the national tournament. Overcoming many challenges has brought us to this dream stage. As representatives of Chugoku and Shikoku, we carry a proud responsibility and will battle with our teammates, believing in each other until the final whistle, with smiles on our faces."
Further emphasizing the collective effort, team manager Taki Hirai, a junior in the engineering department, stated, "Our success is attributed not only to the players’ hard work but also to the dedicated support from our managers and the cooperation of our alumni. Together, we aim for victory at the national championships."
The rugby matches will continue, with Okayama University set to compete in a key game on December 29, 2025, at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Ground in Aichi Prefecture. The anticipation is high as they prepare to step onto this prestigious stage, aiming to make their mark in the tournament.
Details of the national championship are as follows: Date - December 29, 2025; Time - 9:30 AM; Venue - Paloma Mizuho Rugby Ground, Aichi Prefecture; Opponent - Yamanashi Gakuin University.
Images captured during matches illustrate the spirit of teamwork that defines the Okayama University Rugby Club. Views of successful lineouts and celebrations after tries highlight the collective joy of the rugby players. The pride in their significant triumph is reflected in group photos that encapsulate their journey thus far.
For more information, visit the Okayama University Rugby Club’s official page: Okayama University Rugby Club.
As part of a broader commitment, Okayama University supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has received an honorary award from the Japanese government for its efforts in this area. Aiming to strengthen its role as a core research university that fosters collaboration with local communities, Okayama University looks forward to building a better future together through education and innovative research initiatives.
In conclusion, the determination and achievements of the Okayama University Rugby team serve not only as a beacon of hope for their supporters but also as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. As they prepare for the upcoming national tournament, it is clear that the spirit of Okayama University is alive and thriving in every game they play.
Topics Sports）
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