Watching Marie Yamaguchi on the wing for Japan is like watching a certain Williams whizz past defenders for Wales. Few wingers on the Asian women's circuit have the dazzling side step and speed that is packed in a petite frame. Yamaguchi who has been honing her craft in Australia and New Zealand spoke to us a little about her experiences there.
 |
| Picture courtesy of Haruka Takahashi |
Age: 22
Occupation: Office Worker
Country of residence:
Playing Career:
Age 12-15 Yokohama Rugby Academy in Japan
Age 16-18 Phoenix in Japan
Age 19-21 Sydney University Women's Club Team in Australia
Age 22- Rugir-7 in Japan (From April 2012 to June 2012: HUIA rugby football club team in New Zealand.)
No. of years playing for the Japanese National Team: 6 years. I was selected as a national player when I was 16 years old.
Highlights of National Team Career: Asia Sevens in 2007 (2nd) Asian Rugby Union Game in 2008(2nd) Sevens World Cup in 2009. In Dubai, Asian World Cup Qualification in 2009 (2nd) JOC Asia Sevens in 2009 (2nd) JOC Asia Sevens in 2010 (5th) Asian Four Nations in China in 2012(2nd)
How and when did you start playing rugby?
I started to play tag rugby when I was 10 years old. I just love it. Then, when I was 12 years old, my coach taught me how to play rugby. My coach was good at introducing rugby. So I wasn't scared to tackle oppornents. That's how I started to play rugby.
