“Game on” for Japan’s future rugby stars
For twelve Japanese high school students, the past two weeks in New Zealand have been packed with rugby training, language learning and an exciting visit and cream challenge at Fonterra’s Waitoa UHT plant.
This visit was part of the Game on English programme, where the students get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of New Zealand’s most loved dairy products are made.
The visitors enjoyed the tour and said the highlight was the competition to make the best cream rosette.
“I was impressed with the technology, and after the factory tour we got to make a cream rossette, which was difficult but really fun. We also got to try brownies, cheese and milk and they were all so delicious,” says Yuya Naito.
The students also visited a Fonterra farm to learn about the Co-op's grass-fed farming practices.
“I was really impressed with the work New Zealand farmers are doing and how efficient they are,” Takafumi Ishihara says.
Sponsored by Fonterra and Air New Zealand with the support from the New Zealand government, Game on English is now in its 11th year.
Bryn Rowdon , Fonterra Japan General Manager Corporate Communications, says the programme offers a lot more than just sport.
This year's cohort included twelve students from four top rugby high schools in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo.
“Game on English was developed to promote international exchange and co-operation through sport. Over the last decade, many of its alumni have gone on to great success in their rugby career. Some are now playing in Japan’s Rugby League One, including Toyota star Mamoru Harada, who’s the captain of Japan's National team, Brave Blossoms.
“One of our alumni has also come to New Zealand to study full-time,” Rowdon says.
This year's cohort included twelve students from four top rugby high schools in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo.
Hosted by Hamilton Boy’s High School, the students took part in daily rugby training and English lessons, while staying with local Kiwi families.
The programme offered cultural experiences, where they learnt about Māori culture, including Māori songs and Hamilton Boy’s High School’s haka performance.
The students also helped plant 200 native trees as part of a gully restoration project.