Sayonara NZ . . . Kia ora Japan
It’s a dream come true for 13 young Christchurch rugby players – they’ll be representing New Zealand on the world stage in Japan before the world cup.
An under-12 rugby team from the Christchurch Football Club is heading to Yokohama to participate in the Kids World Rugby Festival.
The team will play at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Greater Tokyo, the same stadium for this year’s Rugby World Cup final.
The team held their first training session at Westminster Park in Christchurch on Sunday, with only 13 weeks left to go.
Coach Tere Ngariki said although the event was only planned in December, it would provide a great opportunity.
‘‘It’s a dream ... it’s a first-time life experience for me – it was one of my tickoff boxes.’’
All Black and Crusaders vice-captain Matt Todd was at Sunday’s training to inspire and advise the children. He recently finished a season in Japan playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights.
He said the festival would give the children ‘‘memories for life’’.
‘‘It’s just to experience a completely different culture.’’
Two of the children in the team, Hiro Fuchigami and Koby Harwood, both 11, have Japanese heritage. Their grandparents and extended family would be able to see them play in the big stadium in Yokohama.
The team will play from April 18-23 at the tournament, against teams from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, United States and England in 9-aside games.