Akito Okui :“In the second half, we were simply able to enjoy playing rugby” 

On the 9th of May, Toyota Verblitz faced Mie Honda Heat in the final round of League One at Mie Kotsu G Sports no Mori Suzuka, falling 26–38 and finishing the season in 9th place with a 7–11 record.

It was also the final match marking the end of Honda’s 65-year history in Suzuka. At the post-match press conference, head coach Steve Hansen announced that he would step down at the end of the season, with co-coach Ian Foster set to take over. It was the last game for a man who had been deeply involved with the team since 2019, but Verblitz were unable to send him off with a victory.

“Mie Heat deserves a lot of credit. They showed great spirit in their final match here,” Hansen said, praising the opposition before adding, “It was a very difficult game. I was very disappointed with the refereeing.”

He continued:

“This may go against Japanese culture, but since I’m leaving, I’ll say it. The most disappointing thing for me since coming to Japan has been the refereeing. It doesn’t match the level of the league. If Japanese rugby truly wants to grow, the standard of refereeing has to improve. I strongly urge League One and the union to address this.”

Verblitz were under heavy pressure from the opening stages. Flanker Akito Okui, who served as game captain, admitted, “At times, we allowed ourselves to be put on the back foot.” Toyota conceded try after try and went into halftime trailing 0–31.

Hansen’s halftime message was clear:

“First, we needed to regain our composure. I told them to trust their skills, trust the game, and enjoy playing rugby. I’m proud that the players responded.”

In the second half, the team stopped worrying about the scoreboard and focused on playing their style of rugby. Winger Mark Tele’a crossed in the 44th and 54th minutes as Verblitz rediscovered their attacking rhythm.

Toyota won the second half 26–7.

“It felt like two completely different games,” Hansen said — a view echoed by Mie Heat head coach Kieran Crowley.

Okui reflected:

“In the second half, we were simply able to enjoy rugby. Our rugby was completely different between the first and second halves. I think we showed what Toyota rugby is supposed to look like.”

Winger Yuichiro Wada, who came off the bench at halftime, sensed the uncertainty among the players during the first half.

“When I got on, I wanted to lift the people around me. It was good that both I and Gano were able to make an impact straight away.”

Wada had one try ruled out, but repeatedly created opportunities with his powerful running. Lolohea also appeared to score in the 53rd minute, grounding the ball over the line, but after a TMO review the try was overturned for obstruction by another player.

Hansen again questioned the decision:

“It’s unbelievable. The player wasn’t even near the ball, yet the try was disallowed.”

He also voiced broader concerns about the use of TMO:

“Globally, there’s a tendency to spend too much time on TMO reviews. It was introduced to reduce mistakes, but it now has too much influence, and even spectators are confused. The current system isn’t functioning well enough. But if referees are developed properly, the outcomes will improve.”

With this result, Verblitz’s season came to an end. Although the team improved only one place from last season’s 10th-place finish to 9th, there is a strong sense that the team’s growth is accelerating.

Closing his final press conference, Hansen praised the development of the younger players:

“I’m truly proud of them. Their mental preparation, physicality, and strength have all improved. Players like Okui and Aoki will support the future of Japanese rugby. I hope Toyota fans stay patient. One day, the results will come.”

No.8 Keito Aoki, who took on the unfamiliar role late in the season, once again produced several powerful carries that even multiple defenders struggled to stop.

“Even at No.8, I realized what I need to do doesn’t really change, and that cleared my mind. Next year, I want to become a player who can break down defenses even when receiving the ball in midfield.”

Through Hansen’s leadership, the foundation for future success has clearly been built. The final result may not have gone Toyota’s way, but perhaps one day the team will look back on this match together and say, “That game was an important step for us.” If that happens, it may become the greatest way to repay their departing coach.