Dateline:
The Gaijin turned up to Yanokuchi Field to play a 'Friendly' game against Akanegahama RFC, in what has become an annual fixture. The game was a chance to give new players more game time and work on team tactics in preparation for the upcoming 'big game' against Supermen in the Champions Cup (a.k.a The Cup Winners Cup).
Date: 20th February
Upon arriving at the normally well kept Shin-Shibamata Rugby ground, the TGRFC realised that the previous tactics of utilising a big forwards would again be on the cards. The condidtions were anything but suitable for running rugby with generous amounts of surface water meaning the ground had to be turned around to keep the pitch clear of the large muddles. As this was the case there were no posts on the field and tries would be the decider of the game.
Dateline: Sunday, 30th January, 2011
The Tokyo Gaijin RFC traditionally fill up the January & February months with 'Friendlies' as there are no 'Official' competitions over these mid-Winter months. It is also a good time to get inexperienced players more game time. The match against Waseda Old Boys was always going to be one of the tougher 'Friendlies' and a big learning curve for the 'greener' players. Waseda Old Boys is a misnomer as the players are much younger than the Gaijin in average age. It simply means that they have played for the powerhouse Waseda University rugby team.