NEWS

Rugby Club Holds 60th Anniversary Event

Update: July 1, 2019

The current and alumni members of ICU's Rugby Club held an event to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the club on June 9 (Sun.). A total of about 150 people consisting of 50 current members and 104 alumni, from founding members to students who graduated in March 2018, including some who flew in from the Netherlands, Thailand and other countries, got together to celebrate the 60th anniversary.

First, young alumni competed against the current team on the artificial turf field, and during the half-time, the senior alumni played touch rugby .* After that, the participants moved to the Dining Hall, where the 60th anniversary party began after a general meeting of alumni.

Following the toast, a special commendation was presented to Fujio Watanabe (class of 1979), who could be called the face of the ICU Rugby Club's alumni association. Gifts were presented to alumni marking their 50th year after graduation, and members reminisced about Fujihiro Horii, the first coach of ICU Rugby Club who passed away last year. Then, Koji Tokumasu (class of 1974) who is the Senior Director of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Organising Committee gave an account of the inside story of Japan getting chosen to host the Rugby World Cup, which was followed by an introduction to the ICU Rugby Cup, an international tournament scheduled for the fall, and finally the current team announced the plan of action for the year and requested everyone's support.

Alumni who graduated 50 years ago or earlier

Comments from Alumni Association Chairman Tabito Kobiki (class of 1994)

People from a wide range of generations meeting together tied with the common thread of ICU Rugby Club could very well be termed as the embodiment of the "home " concept of ICU Rugby Club's alumni association. Let's meet again at the 70th anniversary.

Comments from current team captain Ryota Kawaguchi (3rd year student)

Being able to participate in this 60th anniversary party has been an extremely valuable experience. Personally, I was happy also to see numerous people with connections to my high school. I hope to participate in the 70th anniversary party as an alumnus.

*Touch rugby

A ball game primarily for young and beginner players. Instead of the dangerous tackles, the person carrying the ball has to be touched with both hands, and anyone can play regardless of age, gender or experience.