Shota Horie’s Final Farewell: A Rugby Legend’s Legacy
Shota Horie, the iconic 38-year-old Japanese rugby union hooker, is set to grace the field one last time in the Japan Rugby League One final between Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo this Sunday. The revered veteran, known for his trademark dreadlocks, has built an illustrious global network of friends during his club and international career, despite his natural shyness and limited English proficiency.
A 76-test veteran for the Brave Blossoms, Horie was a pioneering figure for Japanese players plying their trade overseas during the professional era, representing the Otago team in New Zealand, the Melbourne Rebels in Australia, and the now-defunct Sunwolves in Super Rugby. However, his true legacy lies in his 14-year tenure with the Brave Blossoms, where he attended four Rugby World Cups, including the historic 2015 and 2019 campaigns that saw Japan defeat rugby powerhouses South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland.
“Horie’s club career with the Wild Knights has been nothing short of remarkable, as he has won six domestic titles and played over 200 games for the dominant Japanese side.”
Despite his advancing years, the self-proclaimed ‘old man’ of the team has featured in 16 of the Wild Knights’ 18 matches this season, a testament to his professionalism and the immense value he brings to the team both on and off the field.
As the Wild Knights chase a record seventh national title, Horie will have the opportunity to bid farewell to his illustrious career in the most fitting manner – by running out onto the National Stadium one last time and leading his team to glory against the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. The crowd will undoubtedly be captivated by the presence of this rugby union legend, whose impact on the game in Japan and beyond will be long-lasting and widely celebrated.
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