【Project Activities】

In late September 2023, we dispatched the “Iwate Kamaishi Rugby Football Club” to the 1st World Amateur Rugby Festival—an international tournament for amateur rugby clubs held in southern France—where they played matches and interacted with teams from various countries.

【Project Background】

Digne-les-Bains—Kamaishi’s sister city and a central organizer of the festival—approached us about participation. In cooperation with Iwate Prefecture and related organizations, we established the executive committee, formed the above team (35 members) consisting of amateur rugby enthusiasts from Kamaishi and Iwate, and dispatched them.

【Project Objective】

(1) Communicate our gratitude for reconstruction support after the Great East Japan Earthquake; (2) Carry forward the new bonds and legacy born from Rugby World Cup 2019 (Iwate/Kamaishi); and (3) Support future community development for “Rugby Prefecture Iwate” and “Rugby Town Kamaishi” through international exchange via rugby.

【Project Area】

Sport Promotion

【Methods】

Dispatching and hosting athletes

【Outcomes】

Through matches and post-match exchange events, we were able to convey our gratitude for reconstruction support to all participating teams. In the organizer’s speech, it was explained that the festival was inspired by the story of Kamaishi’s devastating damage and subsequent recovery, culminating in hosting Rugby World Cup matches—confirming that the RWC2019 Iwate/Kamaishi legacy is being carried forward globally.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“Through participating in the tournament, we were able to share our gratitude for reconstruction support and the legacy of RWC2019 Iwate/Kamaishi with the world. We want to use this experience for future community-building as ‘Rugby Prefecture Iwate’ and ‘Rugby Town Kamaishi.’” (Team head coach)

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

While matches and exchange with other countries were highly fulfilling, the dispatch schedule and tournament timetable were demanding, and fatigue became more evident as the trip progressed. Another challenge was the difficulty of coordination and communication with overseas counterparts.

【URL】

【大会実行委員会HP】 https://www.mondialrugbyamateur.com/en/home/