“I feel fully prepared and incredibly excited.”
Rikiya Matsuda Set for Verblitz Debut

The rebranded Verblitz are gearing up for their season opener against Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium on December 21st. The 23-man squad for the match was announced on December 20th, featuring captain Kazuki Himeno starting at No. 8, with Rikiya Matsuda, a key transfer from the Saitama Wild Knights, taking the reins at fly-half. Joining them is rookie flanker Kosei Miki, who will make his debut wearing the No. 7 jersey.

Two days before kickoff, the team trained at their sports center’s track and field stadium. Matsuda, set to make his debut in Verblitz’s iconic green jersey, stayed on the field long after the main session, honing his conversion kicking alongside teammates Tiaan Falcon and Masahiro Kitamura. “I feel fully prepared and incredibly excited,” Matsuda said, reflecting his readiness for the big day.

Since joining the team in July, Matsuda has witnessed significant improvements in game management and the finer details of their training sessions. These qualities, hallmarks of his former team, the Saitama Wild Knights, were key to their dominance, and Matsuda brings that same focus and precision to his new side.

Verblitz’s hallmark is their powerful forward pack, but the Spears are no strangers to physicality. The Spears’ lineup includes South African powerhouse Malcolm Marx and Japan international Faulua Makisi, both known for their ferocious contact. Matsuda, familiar with facing them, noted their strengths lie in “set pieces, the kicking game, and a quick defensive line.”

“Our forward pack has been solid throughout preseason, so it’ll come down to how well we manage field positioning,” Matsuda explained. As fly-half, his ability to control the game will be crucial. Having joined Verblitz at the request of his former Teikyo University teammate, captain Kazuki Himeno, Matsuda is eager to deliver. “I want Himeno to lead the charge with physical, impactful play. As for me, I’ll focus on making confident and decisive decisions.”

While Matsuda will debut at the familiar stadium of his university days, rookie flanker Kosei Miki is taking his first steps onto the sacred ground. “I’ve only ever played in Tokyo at the National Stadium,” Miki said. The former Kyoto Sangyo University captain has been a standout figure in the university rugby scene. He joined Verblitz earlier this year after leading his team deep into the university championships. Despite fierce competition in Verblitz’s stacked forward pack, Miki earned his place in the starting lineup, making his debut even more meaningful.

“I was surprised to see my name on the squad list, but it’s been my goal since day one. I felt good about my performances in preseason matches, so I’m ready,” Miki said. With more time to focus solely on rugby, Miki has fine-tuned his body and fitness. His Bronco test time has dropped by six seconds to an impressive 4:30, showcasing the work he’s put in.“My role is clear—tackling and jackaling. I feel confident in those areas. It’ll be my first time at Prince Chichibu Memorial, but I want to prove that I can perform under pressure,” he said with determination.

At 30, Matsuda is entering the peak of his career, while 22-year-old Miki is just beginning his professional journey. Both players, coincidentally Kyoto natives, will earn their first Verblitz caps in this opening clash. Together, they’ll aim to start this new chapter for Verblitz with a statement victory.