Seiji Hirao played in three World Cups and saw a fourth as Japan's head coach. Labelled Mr Rugby by the Japan Times newspaper, he was a skillful out-half-cum-centre and he had the looks to match. His stint studying at Doshina University brought three championships and selection with the national team at the age of 19. Hirao played for Richmond whilst in London and he then won seven straight national championships as a player with Kobelco Steelers. “The success of Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Japan national team was Hirao's dream,” his family said in a statement at the time of his passing.

Source: Irish Examiner October 16, 2019 14:26 UTC