Harumichi Tatekawa (立川 理道, Tatekawa Harumichi, born 2 December 1989) is a Japanese rugby union player who can play either as a fly-half or centre. He plays for the Kubota Spears in Japan and the Brumbies in the international Super Rugby competition.[1][2]

Harumichi Tatekawa
Harumichi Tatekawa with team mates
Full nameHarumichi Tatekawa
Date of birth (1989-12-02) 2 December 1989 (age 34)
Place of birthNara, Japan
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight95 kg (14 st 13 lb; 209 lb)
UniversityTenri University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fly-half / inside-centre
Current team Kubota Spears
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012–present Kubota Spears 103 (284)
2016–2019 Sunwolves 24 (8)
2019 Otago 4 (0)
Correct as of 21 October 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2009 Japan U20 5 (2)
2012–present Japan 55 (64)
Correct as of 21 February 2021

Career

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Tatekawa started his professional career in Japan's Top League playing for Kubota Spears in Chiba.[3] His impressive record made the former Australia national coach Eddie Jones recommend him to Brumbies' boss Stephen Larkham. The Brumbies were looking for new talent in the 10/12 area due to an injury to Christian Lealiifano and were happy to take him on as part of their development plan. The former Wallabies and Spears player Toutai Kefu sang Tatekawa's praises on signing for the Brumbies, saying he was the best Japanese player he had ever seen.[2]

International

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Tatekawa made his international debut for the Brave Blossoms in an away match against Kazakhstan in April 2012. To date[when?] he has made 39 appearances and scored 59 points including seven tries.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Tatekawa signs on as UC Brumbies first Japanese player" (Press release). Brumbies. 7 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
    - "Brumbies dip into Japan market". Rugby 365. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Brumbies sign Japan star Harumichi Tatekawa". ESPN Scrum. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  3. ^ "Harumichi Tatekawa itsrugby.co.uk Player Statistics". Its Rugby. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  4. ^ "Harumichi Tatekawa". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 6 January 2014.