RugbyJP spoke to Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix tighthead prop Iroha Kishimoto ahead of the 11th National Women's Rugby Football Championship Final at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday.
Fav favourite Kishimoto, who played for the Brumbies in 2024 and will return to the Canberra-based club this year, spoke to us about her Japan ambitions, the growth of the women’s game in Japan and the highly-anticipated final against the PEARLS.
RJP: Can you remember the first time you watched rugby?
IK: Yes, I watched my older brother's game when I was 14.
RJP: Did you become interested in rugby because your older brother played it? Does your brother still play rugby?
IK: Yes, I did. My brother retired when he graduated from high school.
RJP: How does it feel to be the first female rugby player at your Kagoshima Technical High School?
IK: I was so incredibly excited to take up a new challenge. I thought that if I played hard, I could play for Hanazono’s top boys' team (laughs).
RJP: What was it like to be part of the Japan national team training squad in May 2024?
IK: It left me wanting to make more connections and to become stronger.
RJP: Are you aiming to make your debut for Japan this year? What are you working on to be selected? IK: Yes, for sure. I want to prove I can beat foreigners who are bigger than me.
RJP: How much did you enjoying playing for the Brumbies last year? What did you learn there?
IK: I really enjoyed it there. Everyone was so welcoming to me I didn’t feel that there was a language barrier. Everyone had a different background but everyone was united by the same goal of winning and we all made strong friendships.
RJP: Can you tell us about your work as a clothes designer. Have you designed any rugby kits or training clothes yet? IK: I have been working as a designer for few years. I have already designed many rugby clothes for my teams. We will launch a new brand name this year. Please look forward to it!
RJP: You are known for your powerful tackles and bright smile. What do you enjoy the most about playing rugby?
IK: When I feel strong connection with my teammates, I feel confident that I can go hard in the tackle. I enjoy those moments the most in rugby.
RJP: Do you have a message for young girls wishing to fellow in your footsteps and become a rugby player?
IK: Please chase your goals and follow what you want to achieve in life. When you pursue something your passionate about, you will overcome the things that perhaps you didn’t like before. This makes you a stronger person. I’ll be waiting you to join me at the Phoenix (laughs)
RJP: What are your thoughts on the Final v the PEARLS? Are you aiming to make a big impact from the bench? IK: I’ll do everything I can for the team until the final whistle. I want to carry strong and make big tackles. I trust the process and all the hard work that we’ve put in throughout the season.
Watch the final LIVE and free from 1pm on Japan Rugby TV: https://www.youtube.com/live/DODSX3kDCQ8?si=BaO6nm9ZXk1xM9WJ
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