Okay, so I’ve been getting really into rugby lately, specifically Japanese rugby. I decided to dive deep and see what all the fuss was about. Here’s how it went:
Getting Started
First, I started by watching some Top League games online. Just random ones, to get a feel for the level of play. I figured I’d get a sense of the teams and players before digging deeper. It was pretty cool seeing how fast-paced and physical the games were.
Finding Information
Next, I tried to find some reliable sources of information. The official Japan Rugby Football Union website was, well, a bit overwhelming. Everything was mostly Japanese. Thank Google for the translate! I managed to navigate it somewhat, but it wasn’t easy. I also looked at some fan forums and blogs. Those were helpful for getting different perspectives.
Watching More Games, More Intently
With some basic knowledge, I went back to watching games. This time, I focused more on specific teams, like the Suntory Sungoliath and the Kobelco Steelers. I started to recognize some of the key players and their styles. It was like a whole new world opening up.
Trying to Understand the Rules…Again
Honestly, even after watching a bunch of games, I still got confused by some of the rules. So, I found some “rugby for dummies” type videos on YouTube. Those helped clear up some of the more confusing aspects, like what exactly constitutes a ruck or a maul. Still working on it, though!
Following the National Team
Of course, I had to check out the Brave Blossoms, the Japanese national team. I watched some of their past World Cup matches, especially the ones from 2019 when they hosted. Talk about exciting! I was totally hooked after seeing them beat Ireland and Scotland.
Looking into the History
Then, just to add another layer, I started reading about the history of rugby in Japan. It’s actually been around for a long time, over a hundred years! I learned about how it’s popular in universities and how that feeds into the Top League. Pretty interesting stuff.
Still a Newbie, But Loving It!
So, that’s my journey so far. I’m still very much a beginner, but I’m really enjoying learning about Japanese rugby. It’s a fascinating sport with a passionate following, and I’m totally on board.
