Contents
Yoshihiro Sakata
Japanese rugby’s pioneering international winger
Junior All Blacks match · Hall of Fame
- Born
- 26 September 1942
- Birthplace
- Unknown
More people
Yoshihiro Sakata
Yoshihiro Sakata made an impact for Japan and in New Zealand provincial rugby. His playing career helped connect the rugby communities of the two countries.
Early life
Kyoto beginnings
Practised judo before taking up rugby.
Career
- 1967
Japan debut
Began his international career.
- 1968
Four tries
Helped Japan defeat the Junior All Blacks.
- 1969
Canterbury
Moved to New Zealand and played provincial rugby.
Achievements
Junior All Blacks match
Scored four tries in Japan’s victory.
Hall of Fame
Became the first Japanese inductee into the international rugby hall.
Beyond sport
Sporting exchange
Received an honorary New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 for services to rugby and relations between New Zealand and Japan, extending the connection begun during his playing years in Canterbury.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: L-Crt.Rocks are Trad.Jap.Terr.. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.