Hooker Ryusei Kato and Center Chihiro Matsuyama, currently playing rugby in North Otago, have joined the North Otago representative squad. Although their team,Valley, narrowly lost the Citizens Shield final 19-20 on July 13, both players were selected for the North Otago squad. They are now competing in the Heartland Championship, which is equivalent to the second division of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC).
The squad, announced on July 16, consists of 33 players, including 19 forwards and 14 backs. Team training began on July 18. Players are selected from clubs within the province, with the condition that they must have participated in at least five club matches; both Kato and Matsuyama met this requirement. Although training is only twice a week, it is more intensive and demanding compared to club-level training.
"There are many familiar faces from previous matches. Since they are selected players, they are skillful, and the pride of representing North Otago is very strong," says Kato. Matsuyama also noticed a change in training environment. "I still struggle with the language, but the structure is more solid compared to the club team. In the first meeting, we were presented with set plays to learn first, but once it’s in my head, it's easier."
The team allows two loan players from outside the region, one of whom is back Sam Walsh, a player who has also been selected for the U23 Sevens American national team. Interestingly, Sam is currently staying at the flat where Kato and Matsuyama live. Since Kato's family is coming at the end of August, they had been provided a larger room in advance. The head coach asked if Sam could stay until the family arrived, so now the three of them are living together.
Despite this unexpected situation, Matsuyama is positive. "I feel very lucky. I wanted to study English, and having someone nearby who speaks native English helps me learn. As a back, I can also train with him." A good cook, Matsuyama is trying his hand at making roast beef as he got tired of eating steak. "When I let Sam try it, he said, 'Oh my God!' My cooking has been approved by an American (laughs)." It looks like Matsuyama will also improve his cooking skills during his stay.
They also made a new friend Yoko, a Japanese woman who has lived in Oamaru for many years. They bumped into each other when they visited a supermarket they don't usually go to, and Yoko was working at the register. They hit it off immediately and were introduced to the local Japanese community. Now, they are invited to dinner at Yoko's house every two weeks. Her husband and son are former rugby players who watched the 2019 World Cup in Japan, and they always invite their Japanese friends to support Kato and Matsuyama on game days. "Yoko told us that she wasn’t even supposed to be working that day, but she happened to be there that day, and met us. She was teary-eyed at the fortunate coincidence," says Kato. Yoko is also looking forward to the arrival of Kato's family.
North Otago's first match is on August 17, where they will face Horowhenua at home. "I want to earn the trust in preseason and play in the matches. We've been told that we must never lose at home, and I strongly feel the love for our home ground. I want to contribute to our victories," says Kato. "Since joining the squad, I feel that the level around me has risen by a notch. First, I want to earn my position within the team, contribute to our victories, and ultimately aim to reach the playoffs," says Matsuyama.
They are raising the level of their challenge and aiming to be part of the lineup for the opening match on August 17.
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