On the 25th, local elementary and junior high school students sent messages of encouragement to the Japan Rugby National Team (JAPAN XV) during their training camp in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. The practice was open to the public, and 780 people were watching the top players play.

The training camp began on the 23rd at JAPANBASE, one of the base facilities for Japanese rugby, and the 25th was the only day of the training camp that was open to the public. During practice, which began just after 2:30 p.m., about 30 players worked up a sweat for about two hours under the guidance of head coach Eddie Jones and others.

After practice, representatives from the children and students of Kashiihama Elementary School, Shirohama Elementary School, and Shiroka Junior High School presented Head Coach Eddie with colored paper and flags containing messages of support for the team.

Head Coach Eddie expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to fight for you all,” and promised to display the flag in the locker room for the match against the Maori All Blacks at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on the 29th.

Shunsuke Kurasako (11), a student at Kashiihama Elementary School, said with wide eyes, “The players were strong and had a different impact,” while Shota Terao (14), a student at Joka Junior High School, said, “I used to play rugby here, so I’m happy to be able to see the Japanese national team, and it feels really strange.”