JRLO’s Kurita Water Gush Akishima Sign A Partnerhship with The Blues

In an increasing number of agreements between Japanese, New Zealand and Australian rugby clubs and franchises, Kurita Water Gush Akishima announced they have signed a partnership with New Zealand’s The Blues.

Photo – Left: Shuji Shirode, Director of Kurita Water Gush (Director, Managing Executive Officer of Kurita)
Right: Andrew Hore, CEO of Blues

The Blues claimed both the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki and Super Rugby Pacific titles, while the Kurita Water Gush Akishima is a member of the Japan Rugby League One and is based in Akishima City, Tokyo. They will be competing in the NTT JRLO 2024-25 – Division 3.

Joint statements from both clubs said that players from both sides could benefit in terms of development opportunities and said it is of  “mutual benefit in the multi-year partnership with opportunities set to flow through both rugby ecosystems.”

Kurita Water Gush GM of Rugby, Katsumi Mori commented, “This partnership will open up opportunities for our coaches and players to engage with a number of very experienced Blues personnel, exchange players between both clubs and better develop our rugby IP and player development system.”

Blues CEO Andrew Hore said, ‘Through this partnership, some of our young players will have the chance to travel to Japan and develop their game and experience a new culture. Water Gush has a good group of coaches, an ambitious rugby programme and excellent facilities where we feel our players will thrive.”

He added, “Rugby’s greatest strength is the global nature of the game and with this brings opportunities. We believe there is a great opportunity to grow the game of rugby in Japan and to help Kurita Water Gush become a seriously competitive rugby club.”

The announcement confirmed that the Japanese club would benefit from team analysis, coaching and mentorship for the Water Gush coaching group.

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