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JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

RUGBY UNION

Japan names squad for rugby World Cup; 10 foreign imports included

Sports Aug. 23, 2011 - 07:19AM JST ( 14 )

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14 Comments

0

smartacusAug. 23, 2011 - 07:29AM JST

I don't see how any national team can be allowed to have 10 foreign imports. If they all play in any one game, there'll only be five Japanese on the field.
0

ExportExpertAug. 23, 2011 - 09:35AM JST

Some of these foreigners are now japanese nationals you'll find
1

ratpackAug. 23, 2011 - 09:51AM JST

The only problem is that in asian teams the westerners stick out like a sore thumb....but who cares? If they have met the regulations set out by the International Union board (which i think is having lived 3 years in the country you are representing) then what is the drama? I remember an incident way back in another rugby code where japan were disqualified for fielding a gaijin (who had lived in the country for 6 years at that time) even after being cleared to represent the country by the same people who disqualified the team. go figure!
-1

tmarieAug. 23, 2011 - 10:12AM JST

So these guys get a J passport just to play a sport but yet other who have been here for years, paying taxes... can't even get PR??!! Incredible. No japanese blood?? Perhaps this will pave the way for the rest of us non-Japanese to be treated better? hahaha!
2

BurakuminDesAug. 23, 2011 - 11:36AM JST

Good luck to the Brave Blossoms. Kirwan is a good coach, and they will be well-prepared. Their aim is to beat the Tongans and Canucks - and they have the ability to do just that.

I don't see how any national team can be allowed to have 10 foreign imports. If they all play in any one game, there'll only be five Japanese on the field.

10 out of 30 squad players being born overseas is not unusual at all. Australia has a similar ratio for example (We have Tongans, Kiwis, Samoans, Fijians, Papua New Guinean, South African, among others in the Wallabies) as do many other nations. I think the qualifying period is 2 (or 4?) years in the country.
0

Tel PorterAug. 23, 2011 - 11:40AM JST

The Wallabies have more than 10 Islander players in their squad.
0

rockbusterAug. 23, 2011 - 11:52AM JST

New Zealand probably have around the same number. In England I think it is 3 years residency that allows you to play for England. People like Riki Flutey (although he has been omitted from the RWC squad), Shontayne Hape, Mani Tuilagi and others have benefitted.

I think Japan have a decent chance of beating Tonga & Canada this year, I just wonder if they are on the receiving end of heavy defeats in their first two games (against NZ & France) how it might affect their morale going into the next games.

Come on Japan!!!
-1

davidattokyoAug. 23, 2011 - 12:15PM JST

If I'm not mistaken, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga played for Manu Samoa a few times himself before switching allegiances.
0

sillygirlAug. 23, 2011 - 01:16PM JST

not so japanese, huh
0

GWAug. 23, 2011 - 01:42PM JST

While I admit I am unfamilar with the rules regarding foreign nationals playing for another country in rugby, reading this it does seem to be a bit daft, I mean at the end of it all we still wont know which country really won with so many foreign players allowed.

Is there any limits to the number that can be on the field at a given time?

I am all for letting anyone play the game & watching good matches but looks like it all the teams a mashup of nationalities, weird.
1

Eleanor GoldsmithAug. 23, 2011 - 01:45PM JST

Going to the Japan v France match (it's so close to our home that it would have been rude not to!) The result's a foregone conclusion, but hopefully Japan will put up a good fight. Ganbare!
0

sasukeneAug. 23, 2011 - 08:22PM JST

For non-Japanese nationals, and if you are good enough, the residency requirement to represent Japan in any sport is three years plus an official release from your home country's sport's union or association. I know this as I am going to represent Japan myself in another sport next month at a world championships. Good on the rugger players for jumping through all the hoops!
0

multitaskerAug. 23, 2011 - 09:45PM JST

What, only 10?? Rather disappointing!! I was hoping for 15!! Then again, I know Canada had or maybe still has a bunch of "accents" on their national team. A few WCs ago a prop playing in NZ contacted Rugby Canada and explained his mother was born in Winnipeg before moving way south, and viola, a few months later hes playing for C in the WC. I guess thats not much better than what`s going on here.
0

GWAug. 24, 2011 - 06:55AM JST

This doesnt really sound like a proper world cup, likely good games but clearly the makeup of the teams involved is messed up!