William Webb Ellis’s name is forever etched in rugby lore. In 1823, he showed what would famously be called “a fine disregard for the rules of football” when he caught the ball on the Close—the pitch outside School House at Rugby School—and ran with it during a match. This spontaneous act of sporting rebellion gave birth to the distinctive feature of rugby: carrying the ball forward, which has become symbolic of rugby’s spirit of innovation and courage ever since.
The history of rugby in Japan is arguably longer than that of other rugby-loving nations such as New Zealand, South Africa and France, having gained Japan’s attention from the 1860s. And since its birth in 1823, Rugby has evolved into a sophisticated global sport played by millions of individuals in over 100 countries. As a result, it has developed distinct variants—rugby union, rugby League, aussie rules football —each with their own professional leagues and international competitions.
But why is the game so endearing and loved throughout the world?
As you may have seen recently, during England’s narrow defeat to the All Blacks, Rugby truly builds character in those that play it. It serves as an exceptional leadership laboratory, with strategies being continually adapted in real-time. By winning the game with a try scored in the final two minutes of the game, the All Blacks showed yet again how their resilience and teamwork can shine through in moments of adversity.
Back in June of this year, many of the All Black players, who recently beat England, also played for Auckland Blues in the final of the Super Rugby competition. This is an annual competition, which crowns the very best professional rugby team across New Zealand and Australia. And this year, Auckland Blues secured a decisive 41-10 victory against their arch rivals, the Chiefs, which means that The Blues can rightly lay claim to being one of the very best club teams in the world.
More than “just” champions
But far from being “just” a championship-winning rugby club, Auckland Blues are also immensely proud of their community work. Through their leadership programme, The Blues Charitable Trust has made a significant difference to many youngsters’ lives, and their core mission is to build confidence, self-awareness and courage. This is a mission which resonates deeply with Rugby School Japan and aligns closely with what we are doing here.
With RSJ and Auckland Blues having such a clear alignment of core values, a pioneering alliance between rugby’s historical origins and one of its modern centres of excellence is a natural development. And that is why I am thrilled that we have been able to work with Andrew Hore, the Blues CEO, to put in place a strategic partnership between Rugby School Japan and Auckland Blues.
Exciting initial steps in our partnership with Auckland Blues
Our initial steps in this partnership will be a significant one: the announcement of a joint summer school programme, which we will run from late July 2025 here at the RSJ campus. This 5-night residential course will focus on developing sport and leadership skills, and will be led by the Blues coaching team.
I am delighted too that Andrew will be joined by Blues players Angus Ta’avao, All Black prop, and Bryce Heem, who has had a long and illustrious career playing rugby around the world and latterly with the Blues. All three will be on site tomorrow (Saturday, 16th November) as we host Harrow Appi. Our Blues guests will also participate in a Q and A session after the games have finished.
Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating insight into elite rugby, and what it takes to be one of the world’s best professional rugby players.
If you would like to learn more about the 5-night residential camp, please click the button below for more information.
