Legendary Japan scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka, 39, has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
The NEC Green Rockets number nine is a veteran of three World Cups for Japan and was crucial to the growth of his country’s national side.
Club and country teammate Lomano Lemeki, who was a late call-up for Japan at the World Cup last year, has hailed the influence and ability of Tanaka (below).
Lemeki exclusively told RugbyJP: “He’s been a great servant and ambassador for Japan rugby.
“He was the first Japanese born player to play Super Rugby and win a Super Rugby title.
“He’s won countless titles in the Top League and Japan Cup titles and was also part of the two biggest moments in Japanese Rugby history in 2015 Brighton Miracle and 2019 Shizuoka beating Ireland.
“His presence is always felt, he doesn’t have the biggest body but his influence was always felt on and off the field with all players! He is the ultimate competitor and always gives 100% in anything he does. Very smart footy player who loves to have a good time with teammates whilst driving the standards of what it takes and means to be a Japan national player!
“My favourite memory together was when I first got called into the national team, he was my roomie and he went out of his way to make me feel welcomed and at ease being new to the environment! We ended up sharing a beer at the end of the week when I made my debut and we still talk about that moment now.”
The NEC Green Rockets are in the promotion-relegation shake-up and Tanaka could still be involved in their bid to return to the top-flight.
Pictures courtesy of Japan Rugby and League One
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