In the women’s rugby sevens competition at the Paris Olympics on the 29th, Japan won a comfortable victory over Brazil 39-12 in Group C of the preliminary league, marking their first win of the tournament.

Japan played two matches on the 28th, losing 7-36 to the United States and 0-49 to France, starting the season with two straight losses. With a total of one win and two losses, Japan finished third in Group C and ninth overall, missing out on a place in the final tournament and going to a preliminary match against South Africa to decide the 9th to 12th place teams. (Kyodo News)

Takashi Suzuki, head coach of the Japan Women’s National Team, said, “We were able to switch gears well and prepare for the match. Finally, we are gradually starting to play our own style of rugby.” (Kyodo News)

Yume Hirano said, “We started well and played our own style of rugby. (From the two matches on the 28th) We were able to switch gears and get into the match. We want to keep this momentum and show the Japanese style in the remaining matches.” (Kyodo News)

Honoka Tsutsumi: I’m glad I was able to give the team momentum (with the two tries). I was determined to play aggressively and was able to take steps at my own pace. I was determined to score a try. (Kyodo News)