Japanese players are not caged in

While rugby matches remain suspended in Japan, the country hasn’t been as severely disrupted by the global pandemic as some others, according to Tokyo-based loose forward Willie Britz.

Britz, who plays for the Shining Arcs and the Sunwolves, confirmed they were still training, though rugby players were discouraged from gathering in groups and attended gym sessions in pairs.

“We are privileged as we are still allowed to go and train at our club,” said Britz, who will qualify to play for Japan this year after being in the country for five years.

“We can go to the gym, take a run or go cycling, and we can go and play golf, so we are not caged in that badly.”

While social distancing was encouraged in Tokyo, Britz was relieved to be able to get around.

“Matters in Japan are rather laid back. They call it a state of emergency but it’s not really a lockdown,” he said.

“Travel is not banned but they do advise you to stay at home and they don’t really chase you off the streets.”

Most people in Japan were generally staying at home or wearing masks when going out, in an ongoing attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“People do keep their social distancing and they don’t hold gatherings. Shops and restaurants have closed down...but we’re taking it in our stride,” said the 31-year-old.

With family in Japan, including his mother, Britz did not feel the need to return to South Africa during the pandemic.

“It doesn’t make sense to go home to South Africa and be kept there under lockdown, and then not be allowed to move from border to border to go and visit friends or family,” he added.