【COLUMN】Joined the All Blacks as a Medical Support Staff Member

Yoshihiro Okuma, Head Athletic Trainer

Joined the All Blacks as a Medical Support Staff Member.

The Rugby Championship, which began on August 10th, is one of the world's premier tournaments where the four southern hemisphere countries—New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and Argentina—compete. For the All Blacks, who are aiming for their fifth consecutive tournament victory, Yoshihiro Okuma, the Head Athletic Trainer from Toyota, has joined the medical staff for their second match against Argentina in Auckland on August 17th. His official title is 'Professional Development,' which in Japan is equivalent to an intern. 'I’ve been given an incredible opportunity. I’ve known Karl McDonald, the current lead physiotherapist for the All Blacks and former performance coordinator for the Japan national team, for some time, and with the support of Beauden Barrett, it all came together,' says Okuma. Beauden Barrett played as a fly-half for Toyota Verblitz last season. Okuma is grateful for this opportunity.

※At the Coastal Rugby field (Taranaki) in June.

※At Eden Park after the 17th's Game.