'We came here to change the way the world thinks about Japan women's rugby'

In 2015 a shock win against South Africa propelled Japan’s men’s rugby team into the spotlight. Rugby World Cup 2021 was supposed to do the same for their women, but it wasn’t to be.

“We came here to change the way the world thinks about Japan women’s rugby and I believe that we could have got away with doing that, it’s just really unfortunate that we couldn’t get the result to stick that in the minds of the girls” head coach Lesley McKenzie said after their loss to Italy. “I think they’re really frustrated but for me the frustration also is a mark of achievement because they know how close they are and that Italian team is a really good side and the Canadian and USA teams that we took on have all been top 6 teams in the past few years so for us to push and Italian team like that, I’m so pleased.”

“I genuinely hope that it’s going to inspire belief in what we’re able to provide on the world stage and especially for some of the younger players that we’re hoping will stay in the game and take up the game in the 15s form.”

Coach Lesley McKenzie on Japan’s determined defence vs Italy | Rugby World Cup 2021

Coach Lesley McKenzie on Japan’s determined defence vs Italy | Rugby World Cup 2021

Despite another game where the Sakura didn’t secure any match points, McKenzie has remained upbeat about her side’s growth and performance. “I liked the defence and the set-piece from the girls. Those were the areas that we needed to work on and we’re going to come back to this World Cup with some parity and I’m really happy with that. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their world class defence which is something we reiterated at half time in the sheds too.

“I am really proud of the effort from the team. The defence we showed and the physicality, our ability to get compete and get in those set pieces. Those were some things we wanted to improve on from 2017 because we wanted to show more about what Japan has to offer a world cup tournament and I couldn’t be more proud of how the team showed that today. The things that make us, is perseverance and some beautiful ball skills. I’m absolutely gutted about the result and I’m so gutted for the team because I really wanted them to take something from this tournament but I hope they take this performance away as a big positive.”

Japan’s captain Saki Minami was forthright when asked how they can inspire young girls at home to pick up a ball and hive the game a try. “I think in order to get more attention on women’s rugby in Japan we need to show results. When it comes to a rugby world cup the only thing that matters is the final score and I think that’s the main thing that would help women’s rugby but we couldn’t achieve it at this time.”

Despite the obvious disappointment Minami was clear on what the team can do as focus turns to the next Rugby World Cup. “When it’s a close game we have to be patient enough and manage the flow of the game in our favour. I think that’s something that other rugby nations are executing well but something that we have to work on for Rugby World Cup 2025.”