December 2025 has arrived in the blink of an eye. As SIRC enters its eighth year, this period has brought many new experiences. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce events from November to December, as well as upcoming events for next spring.
Masafumi Yamaguchi has been appointed as the new SIRC Coaching Director. Following Duncan Gray’s relocation to the Netherlands for work commitments, Masafumi Yamaguchi assumed responsibility for this role from November.
Masafumi, affectionately known as Gucci, previously played for Mitsubishi Club. He has eight years’ coaching experience at the Den-en Rugby School, working with children from primary to secondary school age (7-15 years old) , and previously served as Head Coach at Shogun.
The role of Coaching Director involves assessing the current state of coaching across all classes, researching the latest coaching methodologies, and developing a ‘consistent SIRC coaching programme’ for the future. With membership now exceeding 350 and venues split between Showa and Azabudai, this role will be crucial for SIRC’s future development.
Alan Taniguchi of Colts has been selected for the ‘2025 3rd TID Youth Camp’ organised by the Japan Rugby Football Union. This camp focuses on high school players with outstanding physique and physical ability, aiming to reliably develop promising talent into elite players. Among the 41 high schoolers selected nationwide, only two players belong to youth clubs teams like Shibuya Colts, including Taniguchi.
https://www.rugby-japan.jp/news/53668
Chisato Minamizuka, who plays for Shogun, has been selected as a member of the Tokyo Girl’s Representative Team for the ‘31st National Junior Rugby Football Tournament’ to be held on 25th–26th December. We wish Chisato every success.
https://www.rugby-japan.jp/news/53624
On 30th November, children from Jr Samurai and Reds participated in a special session led by Japan Women’s National Team players Ayano Sakurai and Mana Furuta. They were carefully taught tackling, ball handling, agility, and more. Moments where struggles turned into successes were seen throughout, making it a fulfilling time where the children’s eyes sparkled.
Additionally, Mr Tsutomu Takei, former Vice President and Representative Director of NTT Facilities, who has long supported women’s rugby, attended and warmly watched over the session.
This event was made possible through the connections of Emi Hashimoto, the Director General. We express our heartfelt gratitude.
On 30th November, a tag rugby tournament organised by SIRC was held at Nagasawa Ground. It used the special ‘Rippa’ rules, played on a larger field than standard tag rugby, and is currently used in New Zealand and Australia. From SIRC, children from the Ninja, Shuriken, and Dragons teams participated. We were also joined by members from Kawasaki City Rugby School, Nishihara Rugby Club in Nishi-Tokyo City, Fujisawa Rugby School, and Minato Rugby School.
The Tokyo Diplomatic Rugby Club was established, spearheaded by Ovidiu-Alexandru Raetski, Ambassador of Romania to Japan. Members comprise ambassadors residing in Tokyo and staff from diplomatic missions. At Ambassador Raețcu’s request, SIRC will now provide the BST Azabudai Ground once a month for joint training sessions with several coaches. Those interested in participating should contact the SIRC office ( via this form).
Shibuya Colts will play against the North West Junior Club (U17) visiting from Sydney on 25 January 2026. Recently, there has been a significant increase in overseas teams planning tours to Japan.