Former Japan star Hendrik Tui is launching a grassroots inclusivity project to enable children with learning disabilities to have more opportunities to participate in tag rugby.
The Suntory Sungoliath stalwart has 46 caps for Japan and represented his adopted homeland at the World Cups in 2015 and 2019 after gaining Japanese citizenship in 2014.
Tui, 36, who played a key role in Japan’s groundbreaking win over South Africa in Brighton in 2015, has two sons with autism and has experience in teaching rugby skills to young people with neurological disorders in Australia and New Zealand.
“This project has a very special meaning to me,” said Tui whose Suntory side will be in the League One Play-Off Semi-Finals against Fuchu neighbours Toshiba Brave Lupus on Sunday 19 May.
“I want to contribute to making the world more inclusive and accepting of each other, both for my sons and for other children in the same situation. I think it's a big mission.
“One of my beliefs is the importance of inclusive programs that meet the needs of all people.”
The Auckland-born back-row has created Project J which aims to engage children with neurodiversity (from the ages of 7-13) including those with autism, ADHD and down syndrome in the sport of rugby.
Teikyo University graduate Tui has created a website and social media accounts for Project J (logo below) which will hold its first event on Saturday 11 May in Shibuya, Tokyo (10am-12pm at Torque Spice and Herb, Table and Court).
The session is open to all and is designed as a meet and greet where families and their children will be introduced to the concept of Project J and take part in some basic rugby drills with expert coaching and mentorship.
Those interested in taking part and hearing more about Project J are encouraged to register their interest on the official website.
Click here to visit Project J‘s Instagram account Action photos courtesy of Suntory Sungoliath