【Project Activities】

The Rugby Empowerment Project (REP) cultivates people who contribute to a better future by learning the value of rugby from people active in society and in rugby settings, broadening their horizons, reflecting on their potential, and exploring careers and dreams grounded in the spirit of rugby. Across the six REP sessions, Session 4 included exchange with overseas youth of the same generation, and Session 5 provided an opportunity to experience global connections through rugby by conducting English interviews with overseas rugby stakeholders—while considering the connection between rugby and society and one’s own career.

【Project Background】

REP began in FY2021. It evolved from a dispatch-style international exchange initiative implemented from FY2015 to FY2019 as part of the “Rugby World Cup 2019 Awareness and Promotion Project” commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Japan Sports Agency, and was developed into a human resource development program leveraging online approaches.

【Project Objective】

Using the spirit of rugby, cultivate next-generation leaders who learn the value of rugby from people active in society and rugby, broaden their horizons, reflect on their potential, and explore careers and dreams—thereby contributing to a better future.

【Project Area】

Education through Sport

【Methods】

Seminars / forums

【Outcomes】

In Session 4, participants learned communication skills through English exchange with French residents in Toulouse (host city of RWC 2023). Building on that, in Session 5, participants conducted English interviews with overseas rugby stakeholders and were able to communicate proactively without letting conversations stall.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

• “There was a lot of English I could not catch because the pronunciation differed from what I expected, and I struggled. I regret leaving unclear parts, but I’m glad that each member of our group was able to make the interview work.”
• “I had long wanted to ask questions to people involved in the World Cup, so I’m very happy that I achieved what I wanted to do through this project. I heard valuable stories that only those who have stood on the World Cup field would know.”
• “It was a pleasure to participate in your education program. I appreciated talking with the girls; sharing one’s experience—especially with young people—is always enriching, and it contributes to their global growth.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

We provided pre-briefing on interview etiquette and standard greetings for English interviews. We also believe it is necessary to inform participants in advance about questions and topics that should be avoided.

【URL】

https://www.rugby-japan.jp/RugbyFamilyGuide/news-topics/16484/

https://www.rugby-japan.jp/RugbyFamilyGuide/news-topics/16522/