Japan’s national rugby team captain Michael Leitch said he is ‘very happy’ on Monday for his team to have made it to the historic last eight in the Rugby World Cup, after crashing out of the quarter-final match on Sunday.
Japan were beaten by South Africa on Sunday in the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout match. Expectations of an upset were high following four wins from four in the pool stage, achieved with a brand of attacking, rapid rugby that electrified their fans.
Although disappointed by the 26-3 defeat, Leitch told a news conference that he was happy and hoped to show an “enthusiastic game” to Japanese fans again.
Japan’s historic run in the tournament has brought a boost in the number of rugby fans nationwide. Over 50 million people watched their final pool match against Scotland and even more were expected to have tuned in on Sunday.
Dear Japan,
You've been awesome and a pleasure to watch 👏✨💯
Thanks for the memories 💪#RWC2019 #JPNvRSA #WebbEllisCup #RWCTokyo pic.twitter.com/Z9kdz7ahZM
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 20, 2019
