Super Rugby Pacific champions the Blues have announced a partnership with League One division three side Kurita Water Gush Akishima.
The Auckland-based Blues will send young prospects to Japan to hone their skills with the Kanagawa-based Water Gush outfit.
The Super Rugby powerhouse visited Japan in February to play in the inaugural Cross-Border series as they brushed aside Suntory Sungoliath 43-7 after besting Yokohama Canon Eagles 57-22.
Vern Cotter’s star-laden side, who will lose veteran All Black Akira Ioane to Kintetsu Liners for the 2024-2025 season, will also support Water Gush’s coaches and provide some team analysis and mentorship for their League One counterparts.
The Kurita Industrial Ground side finished third in the five-team third tier last season and were unable to seal promotion after losing to Kamaishi Seawaves in the promotion/relegation play-off.
Blues Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hore said: “Through this partnership some of our young players will have the chance to travel to Japan and develop their game and experience a new culture. Water Gush has a good group of coaches, an ambitious rugby programme and excellent facilities where we feel our players will thrive.
“Rugby’s greatest strength is the global nature of the game and with this brings opportunities. We believe there is a great opportunity to grow the game of rugby in Japan and to help Kurita Water Gush become a seriously competitive rugby club,” added Hore.
Kurita Water Gush General Manager of Rugby, Katsumi Mori, said the Blues partnership will give his side an edge next season.
“This partnership will open up opportunities for our coaches and players to engage with a number of very experienced Blues personnel, exchange players between both clubs and better develop our rugby IP and player development system.”
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