University of Canberra Graduation Ceremony

University of Canberra Graduation Ceremony 

At 10th April 2014

http://www.canberra.edu.au/monitor/2014/april/14-hitoshi#UC%20sports%20grad%20now%20coaching%20in%20Japan

I have concluded my university life at the Permanent House in the Capital city of Australia. 

The best moment during the ceremony came when I was on the stage and being called my name.

The presenter who called my name was Dr. Gordon Waddington

He and his family members came across my life in Canberra so many times. I coached his son Ross at College when he was 15-18years old and Gordon's partner Kathy who was English teacher for my wife and myself a few years ago.

We had a great chat after graduation ceremony. Gordon families has helped me to survive during my living in Canberra. Thank you. 

It has been a valuable experience being a student at this age.

There were so many friends from rugby back ground, class mates and teachers who helped me to dig deep into my study.

I can not say thank enough for these friends.

At the end, my family members including, wife Shoko, mother Kazumi, sister Chisato visited at ACT for this ceremony. 

Thanks for them allowing me to challenge and pursue my dream.

Since we arrived at Canberra in 2006, we survived until 2013.

3 years of rugby playing career, 4 years of rugby coaching career, 2.5 years of Uni life, 1.5years with Brumbies and 3years with AIS.

We still felt that this is our second home but now we are in our original country "Japan". 

Do what I need to do and go as hard as I can.

My life is still looking for a new challenge. 

ENGLAND RUGBY

England under20 Camp vs Ireland under20

After I arrived at Heathrow, I was picked by my friend "Richard" to Northampton where U20 team had been camping for a game against Ireland. I stayed with them until the end of the camp. All of staff members were very open and I appreciate their kindness and positive approach. Thanks for coaches.

Game against under20 Ireland was at Northampton Saints' home ground that is currently on the top of ladder in premiership rugby competition. The score was favoured for England finishing with 33-9. The young talented group finished the game with a strong performance from attacking open rugby. They will come to Japan in 2019 as National squad. I am looking forward to seeing them again in their future.

Photo on the right is from staff dinner during the camp.





Twickenham Rugby Stadium & England Rugby Union HQ

As Japanese coach, this place surprised me in so many ways. Hope Japan rugby will manage to build a big stadium for the world cup in 2019. Coming back at this place will be my next goal. Good to see my new target for my next challenge.

Home of England rugby was not only hugely big but a great quality of facility inside. Thanks Richard for taking me around.

England under18 vs Leicester Tigers Academy

The game was posted by Leicester Tigers' home ground. The England u18 team spread a ball wide and defended well toward the end of game, finishing narrow win. But so far, rugby game that is played by England rep team were well played with width of attack which was slightly difference from my imagination. This is the rugby that they challenge to implement within young talented squads. Future England will play like this? Good question. Hope they keep focusing on the developmental challenge.

The last 2 days of England visit was with Exeter premier rugby club.

The  first day was started with weight training. I was managed to discuss some questions with coaches and players. Good to see how premier team trains their top squad during season. Again, staffs in this team were well supported from their program and very open for some like myself.

This is a quite new club that is still developing their home facility. But in their future plan, this far south-west team bases this area to beat teams in the London district. Young talented players, coaches and team are waiting for their spark to be happened. Keep eye on them.

Drive back to Heathrow airport.

On the way back from Exeter rugby club, I could manage to take one great picture of country side in England. Sunshine and rain live together in this country therefore one moment in sunshine is something special.

Thanks for England, I learned so much staffs from you.