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Partnership Framework for Rugby and Social Development

On June 17, 2023, a significant tripartite collaboration agreement was established between the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), Japan Rugby League One (JRLO), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This partnership aims to advance international cooperation and contribute to the realization of a cohesive society through the sport of rugby.

The JRFU has been actively engaged in international cooperation since 2011 with its initiative known as the Asian Scrum Project (ASP), which focuses on promoting rugby throughout Asia. Following the successful bid for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, this project has garnered increasing attention and support aimed at enhancing the sport's development in the region.

In 2013, JRFU solidified its commitment by signing the JICA-JRFU Scrum Project agreement, which facilitated the dispatch of rugby trainers to developing countries, promoting the sport and cultivating local talent through supportive activities.

The recognition of sports as a means to address social issues has grown since the establishment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. In this context, the necessity for Japan to strengthen international cooperation through rugby with various nations has become increasingly evident, especially with the prospect of reconnecting with the global rugby community!

With the recent agreement, which includes JRLO alongside JRFU's previous collaborative efforts with JICA, several key objectives have been laid out:

Collaboration Details

1. JICA Overseas Volunteer Rugby Initiatives
- Promotion of applications for JICA overseas volunteer rugby players.
- Training and self-education for members before their dispatch.
- Support for volunteers during their service, including dispatch of JRLO personnel to JICA projects.

2. Broad International Cooperation Efforts
- Hosting events that foster intercultural understanding and contribute to a cohesive society and development challenges.
- Encouraging the participation of foreign athletes and supporting initiatives related to developmental education and enlightenment.
- Assisting with disaster relief efforts and peacebuilding in developing regions, along with providing related equipment and materials.

3. Awareness and Public Relations
- Delivering outreach and promotional activities both domestically and internationally related to the aforementioned cooperations.

4. Additional Collaborations
- Any other agreed matters among the parties involved.

Agreement Period

The agreement is valid from June 17, 2025, to March 31, 2030, laying out a structured timeline for the initiatives to be implemented.

Future Initiatives

The primary focus of the upcoming initiatives includes advancing multicultural coexistence within Japan, collaborative technical training for JICA volunteers prior to their dispatch, and the involvement of JRLO athletes and staff in JICA projects.

Insights from Leadership

• - Kensuke Iwabuchi, Executive Director of the JRFU, commented:

> "As the only high-performance rugby union in Asia, the JRFU is expected to catalyze rugby development not just through the ASP but also by empowering communities and advancing gender equality and disability support initiatives. The recent agreement strengthens our capability to harness 'the power of rugby' for the growth of the sport both domestically and internationally."

• - Kazuichi Toha, Executive Director of JRLO, stated:

> "Under the spirit of 'FOR ALL,' Japan Rugby League One regards social contribution through rugby as a core mission. We aim to leverage our diverse league for promoting sports education and a cohesive society both in developing regions and local communities. Through this agreement, we will expand the circle of international cooperation via rugby."

• - Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Director of JICA, expressed delight about the agreement, emphasizing JICA's objective of creating a peaceful world where everyone can enjoy sports, showcasing how rugby's core values align with education and social inclusion initiatives.

This landmark agreement encapsulates the essence of rugby, embodying core values such as dignity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect, significantly impacting community engagement and social development efforts, both domestically and abroad.