This past weekend marked a significant milestone for Rugby School Japan as we embarked on our very first journey to Harrow Appi for the RSJ Derby Day fixture. While Harrow Appi had visited us before, this was our opportunity to travel to their campus, and the excitement was palpable from the moment the students boarded the bus.
The journey began with a morning departure, as we set off on the 7.5-hour bus ride to Harrow Appi. The long journey didn’t dampen the enthusiasm; the bus was filled with chatter, laughter, and a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. It was an opportunity for our students to bond, share stories, and prepare themselves for the upcoming competition, creating memories even before the fixtures began.
Upon arrival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, students were welcomed with comfortable accommodations and, of course, delicious food to fuel them for the busy weekend ahead. The hotel provided a relaxed atmosphere where students could unwind, enjoy their meals, and connect with one another in preparation for the event.
The competition on Saturday was fierce, with our students giving their best in a variety of sports. But what truly stood out was the sense of community and teamwork on display. While the games were important, it was the support, encouragement, and camaraderie between the students that made the day truly special. It was clear that our RSJ values of Kindness, Respect, Aspiration, and Integrity were alive and well throughout the fixture.
After the competition, we returned home to RSJ, where the excitement continued with a pizza party to celebrate the students’ achievements. The focus wasn’t on the results, but on the shared experience, the friendships made, and the lessons learned. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of pride in being part of the RSJ community.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, from organising logistics to supporting the students during the journey and the competition. This event was a true testament to the strength of our RSJ community, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our students, staff, and families came together to make it happen.
We look forward to many more opportunities like this, where our students can continue to grow, compete, and embody the RSJ values in everything they do.
