Dreadlocked Japanese crowd favourite Horie to retire from rugby

English Woman's Journal - Dreadlocked Japanese crowd favourite Horie to retire from rugby

SPORTS 06.12.2023

Dreadlocked Japanese crowd favourite Horie to retire from rugby / Photo: Valentine CHAPUIS - AFP

Japan rugby international Shota Horie said Wednesday he will retire at the end of this season after playing in four World Cups including a 2019 quarter-final on home soil.

Change text size:

The 37-year-old hooker, instantly recognisable for his long dreadlocks tied up in bunches, has won 76 caps for Japan and is a crowd favourite.

He played in Japan's "Miracle of Brighton" win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup and was instrumental in their run to the last eight four years later.

He also played at this year's World Cup in France, making his final appearance as Japan lost to Argentina to miss out on a place in the knock-out round.

"I decided about a year and a half ago that I wanted to play at the World Cup and then the club season, then retire regardless of how results went," he told reporters.

Horie will kick off the new Japan Rugby League One season with his team Saitama Wild Knights on Sunday.

He has been named Japan's domestic league player of the year twice.

He also had stints in Super Rugby with Australia's Melbourne Rebels and the Tokyo-based Sunwolves.

R.Sutherland--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Dreadlocked Japanese crowd favourite Horie to retire from rugby