Japan scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka, who has played in three Rugby World Cups, announced that he will retire at the end of the current season with second-division Green Rockets Tokatsu. The Kyoto native is 166 centimeters tall and was instrumental in Japan’s success at the 2015 World Cup in England, where they achieved a historic upset against South Africa. Tanaka was also the first Japanese player in the Super Rugby league in 2013 and was part of the Highlanders team that won the title in 2015.
In a press conference held in Tokyo, Tanaka expressed his pride in being able to compete at the highest level despite his small stature and his contributions to the growth of Japanese rugby. He played a key role in Japan’s impressive quarterfinal finish at the 2019 World Cup, which was held in Japan. Throughout his career, Tanaka has been a strong advocate for rugby development in his home country and was deeply moved by the overwhelming support shown by fans during their parade after winning the championship.
As he prepares to take his final bow, Tanaka leaves behind a legacy of dedication and excellence on the field. Former teammates and rivals alike have praised his skills on the pitch and his commitment to elevating Japanese rugby to new heights. He will be remembered as a player who helped put Japanese rugby on the global map and inspired future generations of athletes.
