Toin Gakuen Reigns Supreme Again at National High School Rugby Tournament
The high school rugby scene witnessed another thrilling finale as Toin Gakuen from Kanagawa claimed victory over Tokai University Osaka, securing their fifth national title and their second consecutive championship at the 104th National High School Rugby Tournament held at the historic Hanazono Rugby Stadium on July 7th.
The match marked the culmination of the tournament, which kicked off with immense anticipation and excitement. Toin Gakuen, the reigning champion, displayed tactical prowess and remarkable skill, evidenced by their 40-17 victory. Early stages of the game saw Toin Gakuen take command, establishing their dominance with two first-half tries, leading to a score of 12-0 going to the break.
Starting with high energy, Toin Gakuen’s first scoring opportunity arose just ten minutes in, when wing Takumi Matsumoto, a third-year player, slotted the first try after 18 phases of relentless play near the Tokai goal line. The team showcased their seamless coordination and discipline, traits most impressive to the spectators present.
Before the end of the first half, second-year wing Tomoya Nishimoto capitalized on another attack, pushing the lead to 12-0 as they headed to halftime. The Toin Gakuen players returned from the locker room with renewed vigor as Tokai attempted to claw their way back. Just five minutes after the whistle, Toin Gakuen’s lead shrunk to 12-7 thanks to another try following smart play from co-captain Ryusei Yoshida.
Nevertheless, Toin Gakuen responded decisively, proving their mettle by scoring again shortly after Tokai’s resurgence. They set up a powerful maul from a line-out, pushing 25 meters to extend their advantage to 19-7. Following a breathtaking moment, fullback Ryuuto Koga made significant yardage on the return kick, contributing to the next try scored by flyhalf Yuma Niwa, who confirmed the points with the goal kick, increasing the gap to 26-7.
Completing the offensive exhibit, Nishimoto and Niwa would each go on to score their second tries of the day, taking the score to 40-7. Although Tokai couldn't overcome the deficit, their effort by scoring late two tries showcased their resilience, yet it wasn't enough to stop Toin Gakuen from celebrating their hard-fought victory.
"This feels extraordinary! Winning back-to-back titles is not something we can take lightly," exclaimed Toin Gakuen's head coach Fujiwara after the match, praising his team's determination and spirit. He reflected on the team's progress throughout the tournament, which saw them overcoming formidable opponents like Osaka Toin and Koku Gakuin Tochigi on their path to the final.
The tournament proved to be challenging, but Toin Gakuen consistently delivered invigorated performances, leading to jubilant moments including the decisive plays during the thrilling final match. Coach Fujiwara noted, "When we began this season, we couldn’t have imagined this would happen. They were determined and maintained their focus on their own strengths. I can only say congratulations to them!"
The defeat for Tokai University Osaka marked another missed opportunity for glory, as this would have been their seventh title. Despite the loss, they showed commendable effort throughout the tournament, capturing the hearts of many fans who rallied behind them.
Reflecting on their performance, it’s clear Toin Gakuen’s road to victory at the national level has solidified their position as one of Japan's premier high school rugby teams. The echoes of the final whistle at Hanazono will resonate for years to come, as both Toin Gakuen and Tokai University Osaka prepare for future challenges, fueled by their passionate quest for excellence.