Sumo: Former Japan U-20 rugby talent finds pastures new in ancient sport
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Swapping the rugby pitch for sumo's raised ring, former Japan U-20 member Shintaro Haraguchi is eager to prove his strong drives can
Former Japan U-20 rugby player Shintaro Haraguchi is transitioning from the sport of rugby to the ancient sport of sumo. The 22-year-old made his professional debut at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament under the ring name Tengakufuji. Tengakufuji explained that the pre-bout excitement was similar to that of before rugby matches. He began playing rugby at his local Saga Technical High School and became part of Japan's U-20 team during his time at Tokai University.
Standing 180 centimeters tall and weighing 134 kilograms, his muscular physique and rugby experience have given him confidence in his new endeavor. Tengakufuji noted that the head-on collision in sumo is reminiscent of a rugby technique. Despite lacking previous experience in sumo, he is adapting quickly and is excited about the challenge.
Tengakufuji aims to make a success of his switch from rugby to sumo, stating, "I want to be told in the future that it was a good decision I chose sumo."
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
