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Japan World Cup star Kenki Fukuoka set to abandon Olympics dream to become a doctor

By Online Editors
Kenki Fukuoka

Star Japanese wing Kenki Fukuoka will forgo the opportunity to compete at next year’s Tokyo Olympics in rugby sevens to pursue a medical career as a doctor.

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It was announced in an online press conference on Saturday by the Japan Rugby Football Union that the 27-year-old speedster had left the national seven set-up to focus on studying for a medical school entrance exam.

Fukuoka – who became a breakout star for Japan at last year’s World Cup, in which the Brave Blossoms qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time – is set to follow in the footsteps of his father, who is a dentist, and his grandfather, who was a doctor.

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According to the Kyodo News agency, the year-long delay of the Olympics caused by the coronavirus pandemic made it too difficult for Fukuoka to focus on his studies alongside his rugby-playing career.

However, he still intends to play for the Panasonic Wild Knights in the next Top League season, which is set to kick-off in January.

“I have been able to accept this kind of fate,” Fukuoka said. “My greatest desire is to live a life without regret. For me, I can see this decision as the cleanest way to do it.”

“I can take the time I would spend at training camp and put it toward studying and preparing for my next career.”

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After bagging four tries in sensational fashion in front of home crowds at the 2019 World Cup, Fukuoka retired from test rugby, finishing his international career with 25 tries in 37 tests.

Early indications suggested that Fukuoka would retire from all forms of rugby following the Tokyo Olympics after having already represented Japan’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where his side finished in fourth place.

“I had been preparing (for the Tokyo Olympics) with a desire to win a medal. Although I feel some frustration, I have faith in the remaining members of the squad and I will cheer them on.”

While eager to represent Japan one final time, Fukuoka acknowledged that the COVID-19 outbreak had only strengthened his desire to enter a career in medicine.

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“Health care will always be needed, regardless of whatever changes take place in the world,” he said. “Yet, I feel my desire to be needed in that capacity has only grown stronger.”

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Bull Shark 19 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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