The U18 Girls Sevens Development Squad (SDS) has clinched victory at the Global Youth Sevens 2024 tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand. The team overcame Australia with a decisive score of 26-15 to secure the championship on the final day of the competition.
Throughout the tournament, the U18 Girls SDS demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, finishing the preliminary rounds without conceding any points. On December 14th, the team faced off against Samoa Sports Club, where they triumphed with a commanding 31-0 win. They followed this up with another impressive performance against Belmont Shore, winning 40-0, which propelled them to the quarter-finals.
"We knew we had to bring our A-game against Belmont Shore," said captain Makiko Kikawa after the match. "The team worked hard on our defense, and it paid off. Being part of this tournament was truly special for all of us. We can feel the support from back home, and we wanted to make everyone proud."
During the quarter-finals, the U18 Girls SDS continued their strong performance, defeating Rugby Vault 33-12. The team showcased their ability to adapt and perform under pressure, allowing only their first points of the tournament during this match.
The tournament kicked off with the first round on December 13th, where the U18 Girls SDS faced off against Cook Islands, winning 31-0, and Tainui Waka, with another decisive victory of 46-0. Such dominant victories established the team's momentum heading toward the knockout phases.
“Our goal is to reclaim the title we lost last year,” Coach Akihiro Nonoyama declared, emphasizing the training and mental preparation the girls underwent leading up to the tournament. The emphasis on teamwork and resilience shone through as they progressed through the ranks.
Off the pitch, the squad participated in team bonding experiences, including training sessions with teams from Canada to build rapport and share knowledge. The cultural exchange included attending events like the ALL BLACKS EXPERIENCE, allowing their players to learn about New Zealand rugby heritage firsthand.
On December 12th, prior to the start of the games, players experienced traditional Maori ceremonies as part of their immersion with local culture. They also showcased their own heritage through performances of the Sōran Bushi, which was well-received by spectators and fellow participants alike.
"We were really honored to show off our cultural dance. It was very thrilling to share something from Japan during the tournament. We just want to be the best ambassadors we can for our country," noted player Hayate Ohuchi after their performance.
The group’s preparation for the tournament included early morning runs and thorough reviews of previous match tapes to improve their strategies and techniques. This approach clearly contributed to their success as they faced tough competition.
Final scores from their matches showcased the team's speed and strategic play: 31-0 against Cook Islands, 46-0 against Tainui Waka, followed up by 31-0 against Samoa Sports Club, and dominating 40-0 against Belmont Shore.
On the final day of the tournament, after winning against New Zealand 28-19 in the semi-finals, the pressure was on for the championship match against Australia. Despite the tension, the U18 Girls SDS displayed grit and determination, clinching the tournament with their final score of 26-15. This victory closely mirrored their hard work and dedication, not just as players but as representatives of their nation.
“We had our ups and downs, and it made us even stronger as a team. Winning at Global Youth Sevens means everything to us,” said standout player Yui Togashi, who contributed significantly to the team's scoring. “We gave it our all, and I hope it inspires younger players back at home."
With this achievement, the U18 Girls SDS has built upon the development foundations laid during their year-long academy participation, proving they are contenders on the global stage. The team's success grants hope for the future of women’s rugby in Japan.
For more information on future fixtures and updates, fans can follow the official tournament pages and the Japan Rugby Football Union's announcement channels.
