幼い頃からラグビーに親しみ、将来は「ワールドカップに出る」という目標を持って競技を続けてきた、ラグビー部に所属している高校2年生。今年の夏、U17日本代表に選出され、全国から集まった選手たちとともにプレーする貴重な経験をしました。

　彼が務めたのは「9番」と呼ばれるスクラムハーフのポジション。ラグビーをあまり知らない人には少し馴染みのないポジションですが、「フォワードとバックスをつなぐ、大事な役割があります」と教えてくれる。攻撃の起点となり、チームを動かす重要なポジションです。

　U17の地方大会を勝ち抜いた選手たちが集まるKOBELCO CUPは、高校生ラガーマンにとって憧れの舞台。　普段とは異なるメンバーとプレーする中で、「全国にいろんな友達ができた」と話す一方、「みんなレベルが高くて、いつもは指示することが多いポジションだけど、今回は周りから指示されることもあって、勉強になった」と振り返ります。

　そして、今回の代表活動を通して大きく変わったのは、プレーだけではありません。

代表の練習が始まった頃から、「日本代表としてふさわしい人間になりなさい」と言われてきたという。「そういう人間になりたい」と意識するようになり、自然とあいさつをするようになったそうです。代表活動を終えて学校に戻ってからも、「いろんな人にあいさつするようになった」と話します。

　早稲田佐賀ラグビー部での活動について聞くと、「監督が私たちを1人の大人として預かってくれる。私たちのプレーに対する考えを尊重してくれる」と話してくれました。自分で考え、判断することを大切にする環境も、今回の経験につながっているのかもしれません。

　今回の経験を糧に、この生徒が目指すのは「周りから信頼されるプレイヤー」。プレーだけでなく、人としても信頼される選手になることを目標にしています。

　最後に、早稲田佐賀の生徒や先生へのメッセージを聞くと、「これからも早稲田佐賀ラグビーの応援よろしくお願いします」と力強く答えてくれました。

　先日合宿練習を終えてきた早稲田佐賀のラグビー部はこれからも成長を続けます。次の大会は、10月31日に佐賀サンライズパークで行われます。ぜひ、熱い応援をよろしくお願いいたします！

  A second-year high school student and member of the Waseda Saga Rugby Club has been playing rugby since he was a young child, always with one big dream in mind: to play in the Rugby World Cup someday. This summer, he took an exciting step toward that goal when he was selected for Japan’s U17 national team, giving him the opportunity to play alongside some of the country’s most talented young rugby players.

  He played as a scrum-half, wearing the number 9 jersey. For those unfamiliar with rugby, the scrum-half plays a crucial role in connecting the forwards and backs, helping to organize attacks and keep the team moving. As he explained, “It’s an important position that connects the forwards and backs.”

  The KOBELCO CUP, which brings together talented young players who have advanced through regional competitions, is a major event for aspiring high school rugby players. Playing alongside teammates from different parts of Japan was a new and rewarding experience for him.

“I made lots of new friends from all over Japan,” he said. But the experience also challenged him in unexpected ways. “Everyone was really skilled. Usually, I’m the one giving instructions on the field, but this time, there were moments when other players were telling me what to do. I learned a lot from that.”

   Perhaps the biggest change he experienced, however, had little to do with rugby skills.

  From the beginning of the national team training program, the players were reminded to “become someone worthy of representing Japan.” Those words stayed with him. He began thinking more seriously about the kind of person he wanted to be, and even something as simple as greeting others became more important to him. Since returning to school, he says he now makes a conscious effort to greet more people in his everyday life.

  When asked about his experience with the Waseda Saga Rugby Club, he spoke highly of the team’s coaching philosophy.

“Our coach treats us like adults and respects our ideas about how we want to play.”

  The emphasis on thinking independently and making decisions for themselves may well have helped prepare him for the challenges of playing at the national level.

  Looking ahead, his goal is to become “a player others can trust.” For him, that means earning the respect and trust of those around him, both on and off the field.

  Finally, when asked if he had a message for the students and teachers of Waseda Saga, he responded with confidence:

“Please keep supporting Waseda Saga Rugby!”

  Fresh from a recent training camp, the Waseda Saga Rugby Club continues to work hard and grow as a team. Their next match will take place on October 31 at Saga Sunrise Park.

  We hope you’ll come out and cheer them on!