Japan Rugby League One Reflects On The Cross-Border Rugby 2024

Following the conclusion of the The Cross-Border Rugby 2024 which saw the Japanese Japan Rugby League One teams notch up one win in four games against Super Rugby Pacific opposition from New Zealand, JRLO chairman Genichi Tamatsuka has offered his views on the inaugural tournament.

Mr. Tamatsuka believes in the future of the competition, saying “It was a promising start to the concept, with four entertaining games, which featured plenty of running rugby and a healthy return of tries.”

Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights beat 2023 finalists from Super Rugby, the Gallagher (Waikato) Chiefs 38-14 at Kumagaya, while JRLO reigning champions, Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay, lost only by five points to the Chiefs (30-35) in the final game.

“The effort of the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in beating the Chiefs was not just a proud achievement for the club, it was also a significant moment for rugby in Japan as a whole,” added Mr. Tamatsuka.

He believes it is indicative of Japanese club teams being able to compete at the highest level, adding that it was “a further sign of the growth in the playing level that we are achieving through Japan Rugby League One.”

Results – The Cross-Border Rugby

• February 3rd 2024 – Tokyo Suntory Goliath 7-43 Blues @Prince Chichibu Rugby Stadium
• February 4th 2024 – Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights 38-14 Gallagher Chiefs @Kumagaya Rugby Stadium
• February 10th 2024 – Yokohama Canon Eagles 22-57 Blues @Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama
• February 10th 2024 – Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay 30-35 Gallagher Chiefs @Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo

Timing Of The Cross-Border Rugby

Players we spoke to in the leadup to the tournament praised the fixtures but also raised the issue of the timing of  The Cross-Border Rugby.

Mr Tamatsuka acknowledged that the timing of the competition was “not ideal” but he hoped it was only the beginning, and that a more suitable timeframe would be created for a formal series in the future.

“That is our ultimate objective, but everything must start somewhere. We now have something to build on,” he said.

What Is The Future Of The Cross-Border Rugby

The JRLO chairman said, “The potential for growth, whether it be in the strength of player that the team’s field, expansion of the marketing and fan engagement, increased commercial opportunities that are associated with the product, the window of the season in which the games are played; all are things that can and will be looked at and advanced as we develop this relationship.”

Photo Credit: JRLO – Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay fielding questions after their Cross-Border Rugby match

By The Numbers – The Cross-Border Rugby 2024

In total, 37 tries were scored, averaging at 9.25 per match, and the total points tally from the four matches was 246 at an average of 61.5 across the four fixtures of The Cross Border Rugby.

“There were good results for both countries, which added to the competitive element of the series,” Mr Tamatsuka added.

The organisers were probably disappointed at the fan turnout for the matches. Japan Rugby League One chief operating officer Hajime Shoji argued there was a relatively short time span between the creation of the series and its implementation as a factor.

• 13,278 attended the first game of the series between Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and the (Auckland) Blues – this was the largest crowd.

Mr Shoji explained that they now have a base of understanding to work from, from a league and club point of view.

“They now know what to expect when they earn the right to participate. When we stage a review of the series, I am sure there will be plenty of things operationally we find that can be improved.
“Japan Rugby League One is built on traditional club competitions that have been in place for a long time, they are rivalries that the fans have invested in, and want to be a part of.”

JRLO Rugby News 2024

• Cross-Border Rugby 2024 – Round 1 Preview.
• The Cross-Border Rugby 2024 – Round 2 Preview.
• Rugby Life At JRLO Side Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay – Bernard Foley, Dane Coles & Liam Williams.
• Cross-Border Rugby 2024 – A New Chapter For Japan and New Zealand Rugby.