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Japan Rugby Tour

Twenty-six Form IV and V rugby boys and four staff members enjoyed a memorable sporting and cultural encounter in Sapporo and Tokyo.

 

This cultural and athletic journey was not just a tour but a series of unique experiences that filled our boys with excitement and learning opportunities, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction.

The team played two challenging matches during the tour. The first game was against Yamanote High School, where the boys were shown a different style of play than they were used to in Australia. Despite the game’s competitive nature, the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by both teams was commendable.

The second match occurred against Kibogaoka High School, where the boys enjoyed their first win on tour. Both games gave our players invaluable experience and the joy of creating new friendships.

Pictured: Grammar feeding the scrum in their fixture vs Kibogaoka High School

The warm hospitality of our Japanese hosts greatly enhanced our experience. Our boys experienced a school visit at Yamanote High School, where they played both a friendly dodgeball game and football game with the opposition school during a PE lesson. They also participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This serene and traditional ritual allowed the boys to appreciate the depth of Japanese culture and its emphasis on respect.

After each match, an after-match function was held, allowing players and staff to mingle, share experiences, and celebrate the spirit of rugby. These gatherings were more than just celebrations – they were opportunities for a rich cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and understanding between the two cultures.

Pictured: Tea ceremony at Yamanote High School

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Our sightseeing adventures were equally memorable. In Sapporo, we explored the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill whilst enjoying the city’s unique blend of its stunning landscape and tradition. Whilst in Tokyo, the boys also got the chance to visit the facilities of the Top League Japanese rugby team, NEC Green Rockets, and attend a baseball match at Yokohama Stadium between the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The boys also visited some of Tokyo’s landmarks, such as the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya and the Tokyo Government Building. The boys were constantly captivated by the diversity and richness of Japanese culture.

Mr Tyrone Smith
Director Rugby

Pictured: Grammar and Yamanote High School

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Sydney Grammar School

College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia

Phone: (02) 9332 5800

Edgecliff Preparatory School

Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia

Phone: (02) 9366 0100

St Ives Preparatory School

Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia

Phone: (02) 8302 5200

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