Tokyo Gaijin 26 Higurashi Ruggers 8

Sidelined player-coach Joffa Harris reminded the team before kick-off that the Gaijin had never (never!) lost in the first round of the Tokyo Cup. However, seldom has the club faced such a tricky opening fixture, against old rivals Higurashi with past results disturbingly even.

All,

As most of you know, I'll be heading back to New Zealand on Monday and I just wanted to send everyone a message to say thank you for your company over the past 18 months.

THE THRILLER IN MANILA

2005 Manila 10?s Tour Report

THURSDAY 10 MARCH

During our flight to Manila (via Hong Kong) the Tokyo Gaijin RFC created a lot of attention by being fully dressed in the traditional touring style of zori (sandals), yukata (summer kimono), and chonmage (topknot). We also had our youngest member, Chris Lucas, in a Peka Chu jumpsuit!

Tokyo Gaijin 29 Waikiki Banians 20

07/03/2005

?The pitch is terrible, the build-up has been useless,? said captain Fisher minutes before kick-off, ?I?ve played fifty games with some of you, and this is my first game with others.  In other words, it?s a typical Gaijin game, so let?s get out there and win it.?

In his last game of XV?s for the club, Fisher was in combative mood, and he led from the front throughout this competitive and enjoyable match.  New opponents the Banians had the predictable Japanese virtues of organisation and speed, but in what was also Mike Taylor?s final outing, the Gaijin had all the passion.