Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks Extend High-Performance Partnership with Taranaki Rugby

In the same week, the JRLO Division 2 side Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks announced a partnership with Prem club Gloucester; they have announced they have extended their High-Performance Partnership with NZ club Taranaki Rugby for a fourth consecutive year.

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Fastier said: “It’s a real privilege to be celebrating four years of partnership with the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks. We’re excited to again welcome the Blue Sharks touring group into the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls environment to grow their rugby and to soak up everything that makes our region special.

This partnership continues to mean a great deal to Taranaki Rugby, and both parties are ambitious organisations on and off the rugby field. Taranaki Rugby was extremely proud to watch the Blue Sharks go so close to Division 1 promotion this past Japan League One season, a real testament to the progress they continue to make with their programme.”

It was confirmed that a group of players, coaches and an interpreter from the JRLO club will join the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls in July and August 2026. That group includes: Players Kaito Tamori, Masato Matsuo, Junnosuke Ito
and Takahisa Miyamoto (FW Coach & Analyst), Ryuki Urano (Coaching Coordinator), and Yuta Ueno (Interpreter).

Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks Team Director Takahiro Niki said: “It is a tremendous honour to continue working alongside a team with such a rich history and tradition in New Zealand. This partnership has developed into a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. We look forward to continuing to learn from one another.

Although we have achieved the best season in our club’s history, we have no intention of being satisfied with where we are. We are committed to making the most of the world-class experience gained through this partnership as we continue to grow as a team and pursue our ultimate goal of earning promotion to Division 1.”

Japan Rugby News

• JRLO Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks Sign Partnership with Prem Rugby’s Gloucester.
• Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks and Perpignan Sign Partnership.
• JRLO 2026-2027 Season Will Kick Off on December 12.
• JRLO Global Footprint Shows In National Team Selections.