Rugby, culture and adventure: Macleans College 1st XV in Japan
Posted on October 17, 2025
After their victory in the Auckland Secondary Schools 1B final at Eden Park, the Macleans College 1st XV embarked on an unforgettable two-week rugby and cultural tour of Japan.
What followed was an exciting mix of competitive rugby, cultural experiences and team bonding that created memories to last a lifetime.
The team flew direct to Tokyo, arriving in the middle of a heatwave. Their first day was spent at DisneySea, where thrilling rides provided a fun introduction to Japanese hospitality and energy.
Next, the squad travelled north to Meikei High School in Tsukuba City. The opposition, one of Japan’s top school teams and fresh from an intensive rugby camp, proved a strong challenge. Despite their own lack of recent match play, Macleans College players gained valuable insight into the fast-paced, attacking style of Japanese rugby. After the match, both teams connected through friendly exchanges, swapping training gear and social media details - a spirit of camaraderie that continued throughout the tour.
The journey then took the team 900 kilometres south on the bullet train to Hiroshima. A visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a deeply moving experience, offering a powerful reflection on the impact of nuclear warfare. Lighter moments followed, with visits to a resort island, local attractions and shopping districts.
The second match took place in the port city of Onomichi. Due to an unavailable grass field, the game was played partly on turf and partly on a baseball sand diamond. After a slow start, a motivating halftime talk reignited the team’s focus, leading to four well-earned tries and a strong comeback victory.
The tour continued to Osaka for the final match against Konan High School. Here, the team delivered their best performance of the trip, winning 62-12. The players enjoyed exploring Japan’s second-largest city, sampling its food, shops and vibrant nightlife.
As the tour drew to a close, the team relaxed at Nagashima Water Park, tackling towering slides before returning to Tokyo. Arriving during rush hour made navigating local trains with luggage a challenge, but the group handled it with good humour and teamwork.
Their final days in Tokyo were filled with sightseeing, including the immersive digital art museum TeamLab, Shibuya and Shinjuku districts and the Tokyo Skytree - twice the height of Auckland’s Sky Tower. On their last day, they visited Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, home to some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters.
More than just a rugby tour, this was a journey of growth, friendship and cultural appreciation. The players embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork, representing Macleans College with pride.
By the numbers
Across the 14 days, the group travelled on 40 trains, eight buses, three trams, three taxis and three ferries. Accommodation ranged from shared hostels to hotels offering unlimited ice cream, lollies and drinks - much to everyone’s delight.
Acknowledgements
Sincere thanks to Chika Fisk, who meticulously planned the itinerary, managed bookings and served as the team’s interpreter. Appreciation is also extended to Mr Lonergan, Mr Packer, Mr Sibson and Mr Cole for their coaching and supervision and to the 26 parents and siblings who supported the team throughout the trip.
Gratitude goes to all sponsors, especially those from the local community - through collective fundraising efforts the group raised half the total cost of the tour.
