Shinya Komura: “I want to continue gaining experience as No.10” 

The customary preseason match against Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi was held this year on December 5 at Aizuma Ground. Captain and No.8 Kazuki Himeno and Winger Taichi Takahashi, who had both been adjusting their conditioning, also started, giving the impression that the opening season is near.

Early in the match, the Shuttles took a 0–14 lead, but Verblitz gradually regained their pace and dominated territory in the second half. In the 40th minute, just before full-time, Aidan Morgan scored a try to secure a comeback with a final score of 24–19 victory.

Along with Himeno and Takahashi, this was also the first preseason appearance for Stand-Off/ Fullback Shinya Komura, who had been part of Japan’s European tour. Komura came on at No.10 in the 22nd minute of the second half, replacing Morgan (Morgan re-entered at Fullback in the 38th minute).

Komura was first selected for the national team candidate squad in the spring, and he was also chosen for the autumn European tour. He earned his first cap as a substitution in the 20th minute of the second half in the November 8 match against Ireland. He also played in the matches against Wales and Georgia, earning three caps in total. The national team returned to Japan on November 24, and after a one-week break, he rejoined Verblitz.

“It was a good experience. The tension in Test matches is totally different from League One. Every day in training was full of pressure, and being able to perform in that environment was good. Japan plays a style where we continuously move the ball, and I enjoyed that. I think showing that in training is why I was selected.”

Regarding the draw for the World Cup two years from now, Komura said, “I haven’t played against any of those teams yet, so I don’t really have an impression…” but he returned home with confidence.

After switching modes in just one week, it was back to League One. Although this is considered his “rookie year” after playing nine matches last season as an early-entry player, competition at Stand-off has become even stronger. Rikiya Matsuda, now in his second season with Verblitz, has returned from last season’s injury and stands firm as the commanding playmaker. Newcomers Keisuke Moriya and Aidan Morgan have also joined. Morgan has had the second-longest playing time behind Matsuda in the preseason matches and also started at no.10 against the Shuttles.

“This year we have a lot of No.10s. I want to make my case in every training session and continue building experience as a Stand-off.”

His strength on the big stage was proven last season. The first challenge now is to win the battle for the No.10 jersey at Verblitz.