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Hanazono High School Rugby: First Round Nears Finish With Akita Tech Advancing and Ritsumeikan Keisho’s First Win

Seeded contenders debut on December 30 as the expanded 56‑team anniversary tournament moves into the second round.

Overview

  • Day two featured 14 first‑round games, with Akita Technical, Japan Aviation Ishikawa, Seiko Gakuin, and Takanabe among the teams progressing.
  • Ritsumeikan Keisho defeated Sendai Ikuei 20–7 to earn its first Hanazono victory, delivering Hokkaido’s first tournament win since 2021 and setting up a December 30 meeting with Nagasaki Hokuyodai.
  • Seiko Gakuin edged Kindai Wakayama 18–17 for the school’s first tournament win, while Kwansei Gakuin, Kurashiki, Meguro Gakuin, and Kosen Catholic also advanced.
  • The tournament opened December 27 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium with 56 schools competing in a commemorative edition larger than usual.
  • Engaru, representing North Hokkaido, fell 5–74 to Onomichi on opening day, exiting in the first round after three straight appearances; the final is scheduled for January 7.