Michael Hooper Returns to the Starting XV for Verblitz as FlankerOn February 22nd, Toyota Verblitz announced their lineup for NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 9, where they will face Kobe Kobelco Steelers at Hanazono Rugby Stadium. After a four-season absence, flanker Michael Hooper will start at number 7, and Akito Okui will start at number 8. Scrum-half Ryang Jongchu, who started ...2025.02.21 01:19English Content
11-year-old gap Flanker duo; Aoki and Hooper make their season debut.On February 14th, during the Mirai match against the Shizuoka Blue Revs at the sports center, a spirited young player and a global legend paired up as the Flankers Keito Aoki, who joined from Teikyo University as an early-entry player wore the No.6 jersey. Wearing the No.7 jersey was Michael Hooper, an Australian rugby...2025.02.17 03:21English Content
"In tough times, it’s about staying tight.”- Rikiya MatsudaOn February 16th, Toyota Verblitz faced Shizuoka Blue Revs at Nagara Rugby Stadium in NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 8. After conceding 14 points early on, Verblitz mounted a comeback to narrow the deficit to just three points, but ultimately lost 23-33, suffering their sixth loss of the season. Their record now stan...2025.02.17 03:17English Content
Eight Changes to the Starting Lineup. Fly-half Rikiya Matsuda to Lead the Team for the First Time.Toyota Verblitz has announced their lineup for the upcoming NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 8 match against Shizuoka Blue Revs, which will take place on February 15th at Nagara Rugby Stadium in Gifu.2025.02.14 01:51English Content
"There may be a hidden factor underneath.” - Akito OkuiOn February 10th, Toyota Verblitz faced Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 7 at Gion Stadium. Verblitz trailed 14-41 at halftime, and despite a strong second-half comeback, they suffered their fifth loss of the season with a final score of 40-44.Both teams scored a try within the ...2025.02.11 07:30English Content
“We need to match their level of physicality.” – Co-coach Ian FosterToyota Verblitz has announced their lineup for the NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 7 match against Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars, which will be held on February 9th. Scrum-half Aaron Smith returns to the starting lineup, while William Tupou will start at number 8. Co-coach Ian Foster, lock Josh Dickson, and wing Tai...2025.02.08 01:24English Content
"Once We Click, We’ll Get There. We Just Have to Keep Going." – Rikiya MatsudaFollowing a one-week break, the NTT Japan Rugby League One resumed with Round 6, marking the start of inter-conference matches against Conference A teams. On February 1st, Toyota Verblitz faced the Yokohama Canon Eagles at Toyota Stadium. Despite a fierce final push in the final seconds, Verblitz fell short, losing 20-...2025.02.03 08:24English Content
Rookies Akito Okui and Kosei Miki to Start Together against the EaglesAfter a one-week break, the NTT Japan Rugby League One resumes on the 1st of February. Over the next eight rounds, until March 30th, the team will engage in inter-conference matchups against the Conference A teams. Unlike previous seasons, where teams faced these teams only once, this year features two clashes against ...2025.01.31 01:14English Content
A Fierce Challenge, But the Fortress Stands StrongThe NTT Japan Rugby League One Round 5 match took place on January 19th at Mikuni Stadium in Kitakyushu, where Toyota Verblitz faced the undefeated Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, losing 22-38.Having prepared thoroughly before the bye week, Verblitz approached the game against the league leader with determination. Howe...2025.01.21 06:28English Content
"We have our own strengths too" - Facing the league-leading Saitama Wild Knights.On January 19, Toyota Verblitz will face the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Round 5 of the NTT Japan Rugby League One. With the match taking place in Kitakyushu City (Mikuni World Stadium), the team arrived in Fukuoka three days prior to the game to prepare. Rookie Akito Okui will start as No. 8, replacing capt...2025.01.18 01:34English Content
Toyota Verblitz Claims a hard-earned first victory with a 32-18 win over Black Rams Tokyo.The fourth round of the NTT Japan Rugby League One took place on January 11th at Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, where Toyota Verblitz secured their long-awaited first win of the season with a 32-18 victory over Black Rams Tokyo, scoring five tries in the second half.The long-anticipated win was a hard-fought team effort.&...2025.01.13 09:30English Content
"Our Time Will Come" - Steve HansenOn January 9, two days before their Round 4 League One clash against Black Rams Tokyo, Toyota Verblitz held a press conference. The public has been significantly excited about the matchup between two former All Blacks scrum-halves, Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.Aaron, reflecting on their shared history, remarked, “W...2025.01.10 03:24English Content