July 4, 2023
In a thrilling showdown at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama Prefecture, the Teikyo University Rugby Football Club clinched victory over rivals Waseda University on June 25, 2023. The intense clash saw both teams vying for dominance from the outset. However, it was in the 8th minute that ERA Hayate, a fourth-year captain from the Faculty of Medical Technology, seized the lead, propelling Teikyo forward with a spectacular 5-try display. The first half culminated with a commanding lead of 33 points. Despite an early setback in the second half, Kaida Keito, a fourth-year student from the Faculty of Medical Technology, executed a crucial tackle, disrupting Waseda's passing game and reestablishing Teikyo's momentum. Nevertheless, in the 10th minute of the second half, a fumbled pass led to a stolen try, threatening to alter the course of the match. With a score of 33-7, Teikyo rallied and ultimately emerged victorious, securing the championship.
Reflecting on the hard-fought contest, Tomokazu Soma, the head coach of Teikyo's Rugby Football Club, acknowledged the challenging conditions. He commended the students for their exceptional performance, emphasizing the close nature of the 2018 match. Soma expressed determination to strengthen the team further during the upcoming summer camp, with sights set on a formidable showing in future competitions.
Ela, in charge of the team's first-half strategy, highlighted the importance of unity and discipline throughout the spring season. Dispelling notions of an invincible Teikyo, Ela stressed the ongoing battle, leveraging individual strengths to forge a collective force. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to rigorous summer camp preparations, with an emphasis on collaborative growth. The Teikyo University Rugby Football Club now sets its sights on a rigorous summer training camp in Sugadaira Kogen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. With ambitions to conquer the Kanto Collegiate Competition and ascend to the pinnacle of Japanese university rugby, they seek the continued support of their dedicated fans.