domestic
2022.05.18
[ Editorial department ]
Toyota Verblitz, who finished 5th in Division 1 of Japan Rugby League One 2022, announced on May 18 the players and staff who have decided to leave the team, and 32-year-old PR Kohei Yoshida and SH Takehito Namekawa who have been enrolled for 10 years However, SO Lionel Cronjé from South Africa who served as the command tower and LO Patrick Tuipulotu from New Zealand also said goodbye, and Simon Kron and others were officially retired from the staff.
Kohei Yoshida joined Verblitz in 2012, has been active since the first year, won the rookie award in the top league (predecessor domestic highest peak league), and has been elected to the Japan national team. Looking back on the 10 years since joining the team, he said, “The moment I first appeared in the top league, the challenge to a new position, the regret of injury, the daily practice with my friends, etc. are all irreplaceable experiences for me. I am grateful to have given me an environment where I can experience this experience. Also, I am grateful to the fans who have been close to me in any situation and continued to give me encouragement. I will retire from this, but I would like to continue to make efforts to grow by utilizing the spirit and experience I have cultivated in rugby. Thank you very much. “
Takehito Namekawa, who also had a face as an A-class official referee of the Japan Rugby Union and was active in league one, such as blowing a whistle, retired as a player and pursued the referee’s path.
“From the sport of rugby that I met when I was in the 4th grade of elementary school, I had various experiences, many encounters and learnings throughout the 23 years. Above all, I myself grew up as a person through rugby. I have decided to retire from the rugby “player” who has become the backbone of my life for this season only. In the future, I will push forward with “referee” instead of “player”. It will appear in regions and countries. Thank you for your encouragement when you see it. Last but not least, I was happy to be able to hit a 23-year period with my favorite Velblitz. “
Lionel Cronjé, who joined Verblitz in 2017 and became the top scorer in the top league of the same year, will return to his home country and take on a new challenge. It was announced this Monday that it had signed a contract with Sharks of the old nest until 2024.
Kronier, who will soon be 33 years old, said, “Thank you very much for supporting me and my family for the past five years. The place of Toyota and the land of Japan have become our true hometown. Supporters every year. Feeling the love of my friends and friends, I’m looking forward to the growth of this team. However, it’s time to travel to South Africa for the first act of my new life. I met Japanese people. I will never forget that and my memories with you all my life. I am deeply grateful. We love you !! “
In addition, world-class Patrick Tuipulotu, who has 41 caps as a representative of New Zealand, signed a long-term contract with the Rugby Union of New Zealand and the Blues of the old nest until 2025 before joining Verblitz, and was originally a one-season limited visit to Japan. rice field. I missed the playoffs of League One and returned to Japan with some regrets, but “I was very honored to be wearing the Toyota Verblitz jersey this season. I am very proud. Thank you to all the Toyota staff. Thank you for giving me such an opportunity. The players have made my time at Toyota irreplaceable. And fans, thank you for your support. Thank you very much. “
In addition, PR Yosuke Takahashi (30 years old) and WTB Daiki Masuda (31 years old) who were enrolled for 8 years decided to retire, and former Sevens Japan national team WTB Masayuki Ohara (29 years old) who was enrolled for 7 years was enrolled for 6 years. Former Junior Japan FL Joji Sato (28 years old), PR Tatsuya Kakimoto (27 years old) and SO Kim Norihiro (26 years old) who have been enrolled for 4 years will also retire.
And I’ve been in command since 2019Simon Kron will be head coach of Western Force (Australia) next seasonIt has been decided that he will leave Verblitz for this season only.