The Sotoku High School Rugby Club put up a fierce battle in the finals of the Hiroshima District High School Rugby Tournament held on Sunday, November 17th. We interviewed the player who led the team as the first female member in its 92-year history.

While the strong male players practice, third-year student Maho Tabuchi is passing the ball around with her small frame.

Tabuchi, who started playing rugby when she was in the second grade of elementary school, was Sutoku’s first female player to join the club. This year, as a senior, he led the team.

Sutoku High School Maho Tabuchi player

“When it was decided that the kids I’d played on the same team with since elementary school and the kids I played on the opposing team were going to join Sutoku, I decided to join because I wanted to play rugby with them.”

On this day, the team was practicing hard as the final of the prefectural tournament was scheduled to take place in four days. Mr. Tabuchi will also be sweating along with his friends who have fought alongside him thus far.

Maho Tabuchi player

“Even though I’m not going to be in the game, I want to go to Hanazono, so I want to cheer as if I were in the game myself.”

And then came the finals. Although the team lost, they did well, scoring a try in the finals for the first time in 13 years. Mr. Tabuchi also saw that figure…

Maho Tabuchi player

“This is the last time I get to watch a rugby match with the members who have been playing rugby together since elementary school.I was really moved by this match.It was really cool.Thank you very much.”

Mr. Tabuchi has been leading the team as a senior student. This feeling was clearly conveyed to my juniors.

1st year junior

“A senior who is kind to everyone, regardless of whether they are senior or junior.”
“Even though I started playing rugby in high school, he kindly taught me how to pass.”
“Thank you, Maho-chan. I love you so much!”

This was my last day playing rugby with my friends who I had shared joys and sorrows with for three years. However, the bonds we have formed through rugby will be treasured for a lifetime.

Tabuchi started playing rugby when his father took him to rugby school when he was in second grade. Being the first female player, I think there were various hardships, but Tabuchi’s presence in the club was an opportunity for some first-year female members to join the club, giving the traditional school a new tradition for girls. It’s about to go away.