Former Japan national team scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka, who played in three Rugby World Cups, announced on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the current League One season for second-division Green Rockets Tokatsu.
The 166cm tall Kyoto native was instrumental in England’s three group stage wins at the 2015 World Cup, including a historic upset over South Africa.
Tanaka became the first Japanese player to play in Super Rugby in 2013 and was also part of the Highlanders team that won the title in 2015.
“I`m proud that I was able to play this far with my diminutive frame and to create a new history for Japanese rugby,” the popular 39-year-old told a press conference in Tokyo. “I spent the best and happiest times.”
He also contributed to the Brave Blossoms’ best result in the 2019 World Cup, which was held on home soil.
Tanaka, who has 75 caps for his nation, has long supported rugby’s growth in Japan. He was visibly moved to tears when an estimated 50,000 spectators turned out for the national team’s parade after the World Cup 2019.
“He (Tanaka) was the most hated opponent, but when he was on my side he was the most reliable and respected player,” said Yutaka Nagare, who took over from Tanaka as Japan’s starting scrum-half. “Thank you for bringing Japanese rugby to this stage.”
