Japan responsible for ‘representing Asia’ amid Covid-impacted rugby stagnation, says star Kazuki Himeno
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Japanese rugby star Kazuki Himeno is leading the charge to reawaken the Asian scene after what he described as a lull during the Covid-19 era.
The 27-year-old Toyota Verblitz forward is considered one of the best in the world in his position. He was named last year’s Aotearoa Rookie of the Year after an impressive stint with Super Rugby side Highlanders, and also bagged Japan’s Player of the Year.
Back in his familiar Japan Rugby League One (JRLO), the man teammates call “Mr. Passion” hopes the cross-Asian borders will soon allow for more elite-level rugby games.
He and his fellow Cherry Blossoms will hold the fort in the meantime, while neighbouring South Korean players are also carving their own niches in the JRLO.
“The rugby level in Asia has had growth in both popularity and standard, but it’s quite stagnant at the moment,” Himeno said via an interpreter at a JRLO virtual press conference.
