2023-24 JRLO Pre-Season Press Conference: “There's the journey that rugby takes you on at times”
Head Coach Ben Herring, Captain Kazuki Himeno, Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett have attended the team's media conference two days before the start of the 2023-24 Japan Rugby League One season.
Ben Herring (Head Coach)
- Goals and motivations for the coming season
“We are really looking forward to the start of the league. It's a great competition. We are really excited to get out there and put on a performance that sets the tone for the rest of the year.
We want to be the best team in Japan, we have a great fan base and we want them to be proud of every performance we put out there.”
Himeno Kazuki (Captain)
- Goals for the 2023-24 Rugby League One season
“Our goal for this season is to be the number one team in Japan and to make sure that we win and give our best in each game. It’s after the Rugby World Cup and we want the fans to be interested in League One as well, by showing our passion.
Winning the championship for Toyota has been my childhood dream, so that’s my main focus.”
- What the inclusion of Aaron and Beauden have brought to the team
“Now that we have skillful players like Aaron and Beauden, I think that adds another layer of strength to our physicality and speed so I’m sure that we can show you an exciting game of rugby this season.
I’m looking forward to seeing the fans at the stadium so that they can feel the excitement.”
Aaron Smith (Scrum-half)
- Why did you come to Japan and choose Toyota Verblitz as your new team?
“I think it’s an exciting opportunity. Every time I’ve played in Japan in the past, I always knew that I wanted to come back and experience the Japanese culture, lifestyle, and rugby.
A lot of my friends have played and coached here, and they talk very highly of it. I've only been here eight or nine days and I've really enjoyed my experience so far. The Verblitz family have helped set me and my family up and the team has welcomed us with open arms.
But mainly, I joined Toyota with the connection to Steve Hansen as well as Himeno, my man from the Highlanders.”
- What match-ups are you most looking forward to?
“Dan Coles would be fun. Brodie Retallick, Ngani Laumape, and Ardie Savea at Kobe (Kobelco Kobe Steelers) would be interesting. I know how Brodie Retallick plays, they will be coming for me and we all know how scary Ardie Savea can be. But that's very exciting. That's what's awesome about this league.
Looking forward to playing Faf (de Klerk) as well. I'm probably more excited too about my teammates playing with Pieter-Stetph du Toit. Also, Siosaia Fifita. He's been really awesome to train with.”
- Thoughts on the level of Japanese rugby
“I've always enjoyed watching the speed, the skill, and the passion of Japanese rugby. I've definitely felt that in the last week (with the team). I've been really impressed with the skill level and the physicality, so I'm looking forward to experiencing a real game.”
- Thoughts on the future ahead of Japan Rugby
“The (Japan) national team in the last 12 years and three World Cups have been really impressive and obviously grown as a team to make the playoffs and create history.
Growing players from League One, to be able to play at the test level, is the ultimate goal of the domestic conference, and the inclusion of foreign players helps that.
The future is bright for Japan. I see the young guys at our club and they’re very good, so I believe in their potential.”
- On his impression about life in Japan so far
“People are so kind and polite. I love how it's so modern and how things are different at home but in a good way. They're efficient with everything really.
Love the Family Mart (convenience store). It's got everything you need for a snack. I really have always enjoyed Japanese food, yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) and shabu-shabu (hot-pot) and ramen (noodles), so I've been indulging in that and the coffee's great.
But one thing too, is that it's autumn and it's beautiful and the leaves and the colours, definitely a lot different to home, so I've been enjoying that.”
Beauden Barret (Fly-half)
- Why did you come to Japan and choose Toyota Verblitz as your new team?
“Very similar reasons (with Aaron) for me too. The connection with Steve, obviously with Aaron and Tom Robinson. As a family we love Japan. Unfortunately, last time our experience was during the pandemic, so really excited to explore the country this time.
In the grand scheme of things, I am committed to New Zealand rugby. There is still a strong desire to play for the All Blacks. I have made it pretty clear, so that is why I am super grateful to be here. I am happy to be here and to mentally refresh, because I do find that it is a great experience up here.
You learn so much as a player and I can take that back to New Zealand. “
- What match-ups are you most looking forward to?
“Hopefully we get the opportunity to play against Dan Coles. It's always a fun matchup, so going against Kubota (Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay). Obviously, Toshiba (Brave Lupus) for Richie (Mo’unga), Shanon (Frizell), and Seta (Tamanivalu).
There's going to be matchups all throughout the season where it'll be quite fun to see them on the other side. Nothing too personal, just there's the journey that rugby takes you on at times. “
- Impression on Japanese rugby fans
“Yeah, it's great to be back and I know how passionate and supportive the Japanese fans are with their teams this time around.
I know having played against the Toyota team, how loyal they are and how supportive they are. So, it's great to have them on my side this time.”
- Thoughts on the level of Japan Rugby
“Japanese rugby is right up there in my opinion. One of the great things about coming up here to play rugby is that you can really take things back to New Zealand because it's really good rugby.
And I think that's why you see so many international rugby players choosing to come up and play here now.”