Kaisei Tamura: “Competition Is a Great Environment for Me”

The final Mirai Match of the season, Round 9, was held on May 8 between Mie Honda Heat and at Honda Active Land in Suzuka City. The team earned a 28–24 victory, finishing the season with an overall record of 8 wins and 1 loss.

The team struck first just five minutes into the game with a try by fly-half Tiaan Falcon, but afterward they were pinned deep in their own territory. After conceding consecutive tries and falling behind 7–12, they regained the lead just before halftime thanks to a try from wing Kota Oyabu. The score remained close throughout the second half, but the team showed persistence on both offense and defense and managed to grind out the win.

The player making his return in this final Mirai Match was scrum-half Kaisei Tamura. It was his first game in two months since being injured in the Mirai Match against Hanazono Kintetsu Liners on February 27.

“At first, I thought I wouldn’t make it back this season, but thanks to treatment and care, I was able to return. I felt it was meaningful to play even one match and regain my game sense before next season.”

Last season, co-head coach Ian Foster mentioned Tamura as a player “with great potential.” True to those words, Tamura made the reserve squad for the season opener this year and entered the match in the 21st minute of the second half in place of Aaron Smith. From then until Round 7 on the 7th of February, he remained in contention for regular playing time.

“Making the squad for the opener was great, but once the season started, I struggled to really show my own performance.”

Passing accuracy, kicking precision, communication with teammates… He was battling the pressures of League One competition when the injury struck.

“When I got injured, I was definitely down about it, but I quickly switched gears and focused on the rehab in front of me. That’s why I was able to make it back in time. It ended up being a meaningful season experience.”

Tamura’s name also came up again during Foster’s press conference the day before the Mirai Match, highlighting that he still has plenty of room to grow. During rehab, he rebuilt his upper body and further increased his strength. The way he has developed physically now resembles a flanker.

“While I was injured, upper-body training was all I could really do, so the strength and conditioning staff pushed me hard, and I came back even stronger. If I can improve my running from here, that’ll become another weapon for me.”

The scrum-half position will once again be fiercely competitive next season.

“Competition is a wonderful environment for my growth. I want to keep pushing each other with both seniors and juniors and earn the number 9 jersey.”

From returning to match play to competing for a starting role, Tamura was able to end the season by raising the level of his goals.

Another possible breakout player for next season is wing Caston Michaels. The rookie, who starred at Setsunan University, stands 166 cm tall and weighs 81 kg. In addition to his quickness, he possesses strong core strength that allows him to keep driving forward even after being wrapped up by defenders. He entered in the second half of this match as well and showed flashes of his ability.

“Since joining Verblitz, my understanding of the game has deepened, and I’ve come to better understand my own strengths. I need to become even stronger in aerial contests and understand tactics more thoroughly.”

Originally from South Africa, he plans to return home during the upcoming offseason for the first time in a while.

“Up until now, my siblings have been sending me videos. I haven’t seen my family in a long time.”

Once team activities officially go on break, he plans to go shopping for souvenirs for his family.

For now, he will rest his wings briefly and build up energy for next season.