Ryusei Kato: “Don’t rush. Just do what we’ve been doing. That’s all.” 

On February 13 in Kumagaya City, the fourth MIRAI Match of the season was played against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. Verblitz conceded a try just before full time and were defeated 19–24.

The MIRAI Match was held the day before a League One fixture. Under gentle sunshine that hinted at the coming of spring, the scoreboard remained tight and the contest was intense throughout.

After conceding early and being forced to chase the game, MIRAI showed resilience in the latter stages. Trailing 7–19, they struck back in the 56th minute of the second half when, starting from an opposition kick, a good decision by flanker Kosei Miki led to a try by prop Samuel Mata’afa In the 73rd minute, winger Kota Oyabu added another try to level the scores at 19–19. However, just before the end, they were cut open and conceded a decisive try, and the match finished 19–24. The ending was cruel, but the tension of the game never dropped.

For hooker Ryusei Kato, who had been named in the squad for five League One matches this season, this was his first MIRAI Match of the year. While there was frustration at not being selected for the League One squad, he said, “Whether you’re picked or not is something you can’t control yourself. I really want to win, so I wanted to play well as MIRAI and give momentum to League One.”

“Everyone, myself included, was really fired up.”

As Kato’s words suggest, it was a full 80 minutes in which the fighting spirit of every player came through.

“Even players who aren’t in the League One matchday squad think about what they can do for the team. On Thursday (two days before the game), we train against the match squad, raise the intensity, and help them deliver their best performance on Saturday.”

For a team striving desperately for League One victories, the push provided by the MIRAI Match points the way forward.

Kato: “What really matters are the very small things. When it gets tough or when we’re put under pressure, we tend to switch off. Don’t rush—just do what we’ve been doing. That’s all.” 

Another player who made a strong impression in this match was center Keisuke Moriya, in his first year since transferring to the club. Although he played in the Rising competition last September, he was injured before the season and had been working his way back. After coming off the bench in the MIRAI Match against Shizuoka Blue Revs on January 24, he started this game and played until just after the 60-minute mark of the second half, marking his full return.

“I’m starting to understand the rugby the team wants to play. Communication with the players has improved, and it’s become easier to move than before.”

Wearing the No.12 jersey on the day, he showed he could also handle fly-half and fullback without issue, a utility back capable of getting the line moving forward. Rugby fans will also remember his contributions with the Sunwolves.

“I want to give 100 percent of what’s asked of me, and at the same time stay true to my own playing style. If that leads to being selected, that would be great.”

A Kumagaya native facing a former club, he was surrounded by many acquaintances after the match.

“I actually know more coaches than players,” he laughed.

Now 32 years old, expectations are growing for a backline featuring the experienced Moriya, whose presence can act as a connector for the backline.