The 26th annual National High School Rugby Tournament has reached its thrilling conclusion, culminating in a highly anticipated final match on March 31, 2025. The venue for this decisive battle is the Kumagaya Rugby Ground in Saitama, where Toin Gakuen from Kanagawa faces off against Kyoto Seisho, the runner-up from the Kinki tournament, both vying for the prestigious title of 'Spring Champion.'
Toin Gakuen enters the final with a storied history, seeking their fifth championship in this tournament. They have shown formidable strength throughout the competition, dominating their opponents with impressive scores. Their journey to the final included a resounding 57-15 victory over Waseda Saga in the first round, followed by a 46-33 win against Jotoku Gakuen in the second round. They continued their momentum with a commanding 43-17 triumph over Tokai University Sagami in the quarterfinals, and a solid 17-0 shutout against Gojo Jitsugyo in the semifinals.
In contrast, Kyoto Seisho is on a mission to capture their first-ever national title. Their path to the final has been marked by resilience and tactical prowess. They began their campaign with a narrow 19-12 victory over Meguro Gakuin in the first round, followed by a convincing 41-12 win against Nagasaki Hokuyo in the second round. In the quarterfinals, they faced a tougher challenge but emerged victorious with a 34-24 win against Kyoto Kogakuin. Their semifinal match saw them triumph over To Fukuoka with a score of 22-5, showcasing their strong defensive strategies.
Toin Gakuen's success can be attributed to their powerful forward play and dynamic backline. Captain and hooker Shogo Dote has been a standout player, scoring six tries in the tournament. Dote emphasizes the importance of teamwork, stating, "It's crucial to keep moving the ball into space, share that space, and maintain our sense of purpose throughout the game." His leadership on the field has been instrumental in guiding his team to this final.
The team's forward pack, including second-year players Jin Yoshizawa and Yoshiki Izure, has shown exceptional skill in ball carrying and set pieces. Meanwhile, the backline, led by scrum-half Takuma Takeuchi and fly-half Futo Takeyama, has demonstrated excellent game control. Takeyama, who originally aspired to play as a scrum-half, expressed his determination to excel in both positions, saying, "We need to discuss our strategy for the final and aim to win, even as fatigue sets in after five matches."
On the other side of the pitch, Kyoto Seisho's strength lies in their robust defense and tackling abilities. Despite allowing three tries in their quarterfinal match against Kyoto Kogakuin, they showcased their defensive prowess by limiting their opponents to only two tries in the first two rounds and just one try in the semifinals. Their vice-captain, Haruto Tsuchife, along with hooker Kota Yonemoto, leads a committed forward pack that is crucial to their game plan.
Kyoto Seisho's scrum-half Goki Sato and fly-half Genki Okazaki, who is also the younger brother of Sunwolves player Teppei Okazaki, have played pivotal roles in orchestrating their attack. Okazaki's kicking and passing abilities were particularly effective in their semifinal victory, where he guided the team to success with strategic plays. He remarked, "Toin Gakuen is incredibly strong, having won the Hanazono championship twice in a row. We aim to be aggressive and challenge them as the underdogs."
This final match marks a significant moment in high school rugby, as it is the first time Toin Gakuen and Kyoto Seisho have faced each other in the selection tournament final since 2017, when Toin Gakuen claimed victory with a score of 42-12. Historically, Toin Gakuen has dominated their encounters, holding a perfect 5-0 record against Kyoto Seisho in past selection tournaments. They also won both of their previous meetings in Hanazono, including a decisive 32-15 win in the 2020 final.
As the clock ticks down to the kickoff at 11:00 AM on March 31, 2025, excitement builds around the potential for Toin Gakuen to extend their seven-game winning streak against Kyoto Seisho in national tournaments. With their signature style of interconnected rugby, Toin Gakuen aims to secure their fifth spring title since 2023. Conversely, Kyoto Seisho is eager to upset the odds and claim their first national championship, a dream they have long pursued.
Regardless of the outcome, this match promises to be a defining moment for high school rugby this season, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams. Fans and players alike are poised for a thrilling encounter that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the tournament's legacy.
