The Club honors Japan rugby great Michael Leitch with its Sportsman of the Year award at a special ceremony.
One of the most recognizable faces of Japanese rugby, Leitch led Japan to a famous win over powerhouse South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England before sweeping the team into the quarterfinals of the 2019 tournament in Japan, the first to take place in Asia.
With spirited and dynamic performances that captivated the country and rugby-loving fans everywhere, Japan progressed to the competition’s best eight, where they lost to eventual champions South Africa.
Due to League One-set Covid-19 safety protocols, the 33-year-old flanker will attend the event virtually. But he hopes to visit the Club to meet Members at a later date.
A longtime member of Tokyo’s Toshiba Brave Lupus, Leitch has also enjoyed stints with Super Rugby’s Sunwolves and Chiefs.
The first Sportsman of the Year award was bestowed on baseball player Warren Cromartie in 1990. Since then, the likes of tennis player Kei Nishikori, hammer thrower Koji Murofushi, swimming’s Kosuke Kitajima and sumo wrestler Konishiki have received the honor.
Registration
Sign-ups are being accepted in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines. Should guidelines change before the event, the number of attendees may be reduced. In such a case, priority will be given to those who registered first.
