Springbok Kwagga Smith talks about playing rugby in Japan
Kwagga Smith discusses Japanese rugby, rehab progress, and the Springboks’ upcoming match against Ireland in an exclusive interview.
In an exclusive interview with SA Rugby Magazine, Springbok flanker Kwagga Smith discusses his experiences playing club rugby in Japan, his ongoing rehabilitation from a groin injury, and the Springboks’ upcoming match against Ireland.
Smith, who has been playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs since 2018, shares valuable insights into the growing Japanese rugby scene and his personal journey.
KWAGGA SMITH’S REHAB PROGRESS
Smith, who suffered a groin injury in January while playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs, is currently undergoing rehabilitation in South Africa.
“It’s coming along nicely. I’m starting with the bigger rehab stuff now (late March) and I will probably be out for another month,” he reveals.
JAPANESE RUGBY’S GROWTH AND KWAGGA SMITH’S EXPERIENCE
Having played in Japan for six seasons, Smith has witnessed firsthand the growth of Japanese rugby, especially since the 2019 World Cup.
“The league has improved a lot since Japan hosted the 2019 World Cup. It’s really fun playing there but it isn’t as easy as everyone thinks. The number of top, world-class players makes the competition really tough,” he explains.
Smith also notes the increasing popularity of rugby in Japan, with several games attracting over 30 000 fans and an average crowd of 10 000 to 15 000.
He attributes this growth to the investments made by companies that own the clubs, as well as the presence of world-class players like Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick, and the Springboks.
KWAGGA SMITH’S DECISION TO STAY IN JAPAN
Despite receiving offers from clubs in France, the UK, and South Africa, Smith chose to remain with the Shizuoka Blue Revs.
He cites his strong relationship with the club, the team’s promising future under new coaches, and the favourable balance between club and international rugby as the main reasons for his decision.
“The biggest reason I stayed in Japan is the number of games we play and the amount of time we get off. Even with Test rugby, I get a full two months off a year. If you’re playing in Europe, you only get two weeks off here and there,” Smith explains.
LIFE IN IWATA AND LEARNING JAPANESE
Smith and his wife, Ilke, enjoy the peaceful countryside lifestyle in Iwata, a small town between Tokyo and Osaka.
“It’s easy living compared to the big-city rush, and I can focus on my rugby and not worry about other stuff,” he says.
As for learning Japanese, Smith admits he can speak a little bit but doesn’t attempt to read or write. “It’s about being able to help myself if we go to a restaurant and being able to understand players on the field.
I’d like to get better, but it’s not an easy language to learn,” he confesses.
LOOKING AHEAD
Smith is signed with the Shizuoka Blue Revs until the next World Cup, after which he and his wife plan to return to South Africa to start a family and finish his career.
As for the Springboks’ upcoming match against Ireland, Smith remains focused on his rehabilitation and looks forward to contributing to the team’s success once he’s fully recovered.