JRLO Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks Sign Partnership with Prem Rugby’s Gloucester

UK Prem Rugby side Gloucester Rugby and Japan Rugby League One Division 2 runners-up Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks have announced they have signed a multi-year international development partnership.

The Japanese club finished second in Division 2 this past season and failed in their bid to earn promotion to Division 1 after they lost the two-leg playoff for the 2026-2027 season. It was their highest-ever finish.

They have also previously signed a partnership with French Top 14 club USA Perpignan in 2025, which aimed to exchange players and coaching training sessions in the future. The French club secured their Top 14 status next season by defeating Provence Rugby in the playoff match.

Photo Credit – JRLO – Shimizu Corporation Koto Blue Sharks

The Prem Rugby side, known as the Cherry & Whites, finished 8th in the ten-team professional league in England this season.

A press release from the club said, “The collaboration will initially see six Blue Sharks players and five members of staff join the Cherry & Whites this summer for a month-long placement as part of the Club’s pre-season programme at Kingsholm.”

The staff will work alongside Gloucester Rugby’s first-team and academy players and staff to gain “hands-on experience across key performance areas including rugby operations, medical services and strength & conditioning.”

Gloucester Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer Alex Brown said: “We are delighted to be working with Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks following their impressive season. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to unite two ambitious organisations, where players and staff can learn from one another, share ideas, and build a long-term relationship that drives development and delivers benefits both on and off the field.”

He added, “We look forward to welcoming the Blue Sharks to Kingsholm each year and to seeing this collaboration grow in the seasons ahead.”

The Shimizu Corporation Koto Blue Sharks posted online: “We will take this partnership as a new opportunity for challenges, and aim to create a more engaging club while incorporating world standards of learning.”

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