Hamdan Tuipulotu: “If we can play a game everyone can be proud of”

Toyota Verblitz announced the 23-man squad for their League One Round 9 match against Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, to be played on 21st of February at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium. The same 23 players who fought hard in the previous round against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights have been retained, as Verblitz takes on the two-time defending champions.

In the previous round, Verblitz pushed the Wild Knights close in a 20–26 loss. Captain Kazuki Himeno commented that the players “expressed what we’ve been working on,” and with that sense of clarity from the performance, the team now prepares to host last season’s champions at Mizuho. Dating back to the Top League era, matches between Toshiba and Toyota have been synonymous with fierce physical battles—none more decisive than the scrum.

Starting at tighthead prop for the past two matches is new signing Hamdan Tuipulotu, known by the nickname “Hammy.” He is the younger brother of former All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who played for Verblitz during the 2022–23 season.

Although their tenures with the club did not overlap, Hamdan later remained with Verblitz as a training player before officially joining the squad ahead of this season.

“I’d been hoping to play in Japan again, and when I heard Verblitz were looking for a prop, I felt lucky to be able to come back,” he said.

He featured from the opening round against Mie Honda Heat. While his powerful ball-carrying evokes memories of his older brother, Hamdan admits he was surprised by the pace and work rate required in League One compared to New Zealand rugby.

“My fitness isn’t at the level I’m aiming for yet, so I’m doing extra training with the S&C coach,” he explained.

Last season, Hamdan played for the Blues, where he was teammates with wing Mark Telea.

“I played a few games with Mamba (Telea’s nickname). When he joined, he didn’t know I was already in Japan, so he was really surprised. I never imagined we’d be playing together in Japan—it’s a strange feeling.”

Against Toshiba, he will again start alongside Mamba.

“They’re a physical team, but we also have a strong pack. If we can show that in the game, that’s what matters. It’s a tough challenge, but if we can play a game that everyone can be proud of, that would be ideal.”

His focus will be on making an impact in the scrum and with ball carries.

Alongside Tuipulotu in the scrum is the most senior member of the forward pack、 Yoshiakatsu Hikosaka. After playing 17 matches last season, Hikosaka struggled with fitness issues this year and had been sidelined since Round 4 against Black Rams Tokyo. He returned to the starting lineup in the previous round and played until the 23rd minute of the second half.

“There were times before when we faded in the second half, but that didn’t happen,” he reflected.

While there was a strong message from captain Himeno early in the week, Hikosaka believes the improvement came from greater clarity.

“I think we were able to refine the details. What we need to do from our own territory into the middle of the field became clearer. If we can execute with greater accuracy than last week, we’ll have opportunities.”

Hikosaka is known for his tries from lineout mauls close to the goal line—a trademark of his play. He has often scored decisive tries and was named Player of the Match twice last season. This year, however, he has scored only once so far, in Round 3 against Kobe Steelers.

“In the last game, I didn’t get the chance to carry the ball near the goal line,” he said with a laugh. “If everyone works hard, I’ll get my chances to score too.”

Having played at Mizuho Rugby Stadium since childhood, Hikosaka hopes to convert that familiar pattern into a try and turn the positive feeling into a valuable win.