Rugby in Japan and New Zealand

Hi!! Today I’ll say about differences of rugby between Japan and New Zealand.

In Japan, rugby is not so popular sport.

Rugby players are divided into 3, Top East 11, Top West and Top Kyusyu.

They belong to club teams each other.

Some best players play in national team.

Their uniform is white and red.

In New Zealand, Rugby is one of the most popular sports. It is a national sport.
Rugby players are divided into 4, All Blacks, Super 12, NPC, Club Team. The best players play in national team called "All Blacks". Their uniform is all black. All blacks won the championship in the World Cup in 2008. Many players are yearned to New Zealand and played on the ground.

Why national team in New Zealand is called “All Blacks”? This is reason why in 1905, members of All Blacks go on expedition to British, and Newspapers called them “All Blacks.” Second reason is that they have worn black uniform at that time.

Rugby is not popular sport, because it is not so taken up in media. In Japan, popular sports are taken up in media, for example baseball football and so on.

However Tokyo is elected as it’s the best city to hold Bledisloe Cup. It is a regularly-scheduled game between All Blacks and Warabies which is national team in Australia. It is a game which whoever playing rugby want to see. If Tokyo is elected, this game will help rugby to become popular in Japan. The activity of All Blacks will have a big influence on the rugby in Japan.

Thank you.