Japan

World In Motion formed a strategic alliance with WRS Japan Ltd in 2008, with the specific objective of providing a seamless, professional and successful transition of rugby players and their families to Japan.

Craig Innes, Director and head of our International division, is a regular visitor to Japan, for the purpose of maintaining contact with expatriate New Zealand clients based in Japan,  solidifying relationships with the leading clubs, as well as identifying new opportunities within the Japanese rugby market.

WRS provide a personalised management service to all World In Motion clients based in Japan. Having this team experienced in tax, banking and daily life provides enormous support for new arrivals, ensuring their transition to Japan is flawless and simple . This allows players to quickly adapt to daily life in Japan, and begin to make a positive contribution to their team right from the start, as well as enjoying the many lifestyle attractions that Japan has to offer. WRS key principals, Miwa Eguchi and Glen McCabe are always on hand to help with translation and work closely with the clubs management team to assist our clients during the terms of their contracts.

Recent placements to Japan include:

Toyota Rugby - Orene Ai’i
Yamaha Rugby - Mose Tuiali’i
Suntory Rugby - Tomasi Soqeta and Tusi Pisi
NTT - Brad Mika
Toshiba - Neil Brew and Steve Bates

 

WRS Japan Team

WRS’s active agents, Miwa Eguchi and Glen McCabe have been involved in sport management for a combined total of twenty years, and have extensive knowledge of Japanese business practices. Accordingly, they are held in high regard by the Japanese clubs.

Miwa Eguchi – Miwa completed a law degree at Senshu University and her passion for rugby led to her successful career in sports management.  Since 1991 she has been involved in different aspects of professional rugby, as a translator, administrator and team manager. In 2003 she joined full time with WRS to work as a rugby player manager.

Glen McCabe – Kiwi born (Matamata, Waikato) Glen studied Management and Japanese language at the University of Waikato and Canterbury before relocating to Japan in 2003 to attend the University of Tsukuba, where he studied Sociology of Sport. He has worked in the sports industry in Japan as a translator, with Secom Rugby Team and within the JRFU ATQ programme, and now works solely with WRS in sports management.

Japanese Rugby Competition

Although top rugby teams in Japan are owned by major companies – familiar names like Sanyo, Coca-Cola and Suntory – the rugby environment and set-up is similar to any top club competition around the globe.

The Top League comprises 14 corporate teams, playing a round robin format from September, culminating in the Microsoft Cup final series in February and the All-Japan Championships in March.  Matches are held home and away, and also in third locations, endeavouring to spread the popularity of rugby throughout Japan.

Follow the link for more in depth information: http://www.rugbyjapan.com

The second division competition is split into three regional leagues, based in greater Tokyo, Osaka and Kyushu (in the south). The competition in the Top East (Tokyo region) and Top West (Osaka region) in particular is very hot, as teams vie for limited promotion places to the Top League.   Second division leagues run from September to December, with the Top Challenge promotion playoffs in January and February respectively. The first-placed team in the Top Challenge series, along with promotion to the Top League, also obtains a berth in the All-Japan Championship.

sport@worldinmotion.co.nz