Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix Head Coach Yumeno Noda Reflects On Opening Round of Taiyo Seimei WSS

Yumeno Noda is the new Head Coach of the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix this season and is hoping to use her experience and the talented squad to improve on the third-place finish the team had at last year’s Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series. In the opening round in Kumagaya, the team made the final before losing to Mie Pearls, with key injuries disrupting their plans on the final day.

The side is co-captained by Sakura 7s players Okamoto Suzuha and Wakaba Hara (Sakura 7s, Olympics 2020/2024), and the side has been bolstered by international signings Chloe Chan (Hong Kong China), Charity Williams (Canada 7s, Olympics 2016/2020/2024). The team is operating under the mantra of “Bloom Up” this season.

Yumeno Noda herself is a former Sakura 7s & 15s player, and it was the first tournament she was in charge as a Head Coach. She explained her views on the team’s performances over the opening weekend.

“Two of our main players were unfortunately injured in the semi-final. However, everyone remained calm and focused on the game at hand, and we were able to warm up and play the game in a good atmosphere. With each game, the team and the players really grew, and we were able to play well defensively, stay connected for 14 minutes and persistently put pressure on the opponent, so I’m satisfied with that.”

Photo Credit – Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix

She added, “It’s very disappointing that we lost in the final, but we didn’t do anything wrong. We were able to learn a lot from that for the rest of the Series, so we’re taking the lessons learned and positive, and we will become even stronger!”

Many of the teams have made domestic and international signings this season, notably the winners, Mie Pearls, who have two Black Ferns Sevens and two Brazilian Sevens players in the squad.

The Phoenix Head Coach, Yumeno Noda, is happy with the balance in her team and welcomes the international additions.

“She (Charity Williams) fit in quickly with the team and is having a positive impact on Phoenix. She takes the initiative in team talks. What’s more, everything she says is spot on, and she thinks about how to move the team in a positive direction. While she is learning about a new culture and being inspired by it, the Phoenix members are also sharing the Phoenix culture with her, and we are building relationships in which we support, share, and improve each other.”

Yumeno Noda Key Lessons

Of her main takeaways from Kumagaya and preparing for the second leg in Kitakyushu in July, she explained:

“My three main lessons are:

1. Players and staff need to have the same targets every game
2. Create a good environment
3. There are six games over two days, and the team we play against is different every game. Therefore, although we have a foundation for rugby, we need to change things, even if a little bit, depending on the opponent.

We had short meetings before the matches to clarify the style of rugby we needed to play, and communicated that to the players. In order to do this, as coaches, we need to prepare and analyse. If the coach does not have an accurate grasp of the game, the players will approach the game with some anxiety.

Sevens games carry on whether they win or lose, and there may also be injuries. This year, the players faced the extra challenge due to the scorching heat.

We need to create an environment where the players can play in a good atmosphere. Immediately after each match, we make time to take care of ourselves, and before the next game, we play music and have fun together, so that we can maintain a good sense of togetherness and concentration while also having fun and enjoying playing the game.”

Photo Credit – Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix

One of the squad members from the opening leg, Suzuka Nakashima, was thankful for the good support from the fans.

“Looking up from the ground to the stands and seeing all the red Phoenix supporters and all the cheers really helped!”

She added of the coach, “This tournament was Yumeno’s first tournament as a 7s head coach. I believe that the whole team became one “For Yume no San” and worked wholeheartedly and trusted each other, which led to the positive results.

Being able to reach the finals gave me a lot of confidence, but I will accept the frustration of not being one step closer to the championship, and work hard as a team to win the next Kitakyushu tournament. Thank you for your continued support.”

Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series 2025 Kumagaya Scores

Day 1 Pool Round 

• Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 50-7 Challenge Team
• Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 39-7 Otemon Gakuin University
• Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 24-14 Yokohama TKM

Day 2 Playoffs

• QF – Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 25-0 JSDF Sports School PTS
• SF – Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix  24-19 Nanairo Prism Fukuoka
• Final – Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 12-28 Mie Pearls

All of the results can be seen via the JRFU here.

Final Standings – Taiyo Seimei WSS Kumagaya 2025

1. Mie Pearls
2. Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix
3. Nanairo Prism Fukuoka
4. Nagato Blue Angels
5. Yokohama TKM
6. Nippon Sport Science University Women’s Rugby Team
7. Hokkaido Barbarians Diana
8. Self-Defence Forces Physical Education School PTS
9. Venus 
10. Arukas Queen Kumagaya
11. Artemi-Stars
12. Challenge Team

WSS Tournament 2 Kitakyushu Pools

The JRFU confirmed the pools for the second round of the Kitakyushu Tournament, which will be held from July 20-21 at Mikuni World Stadium. Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix are in Pool B with Yokohama TKM, the Self-Defence Forces Physical Education School PTS, and Artemi-Stars.

Pool A

• Mie Pearls
• Nippon Sport Science University Women’s Rugby Team
• Hokkaido Barbarians Diana
• Challenge Team

Pool B

• Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix
• Yokohama TKM
• Self-Defence Forces Physical Education School PTS
• Artemi-Stars

Pool C

• Nanairo Prism Fukuoka
• Nagato Blue Angels
• Arukas Queen Kumagaya
• Venus

Japanese Rugby News 2025

• Mie Pearls Win Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series 2025 Tournament One In Kumagaya.
• Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series 2025 Tournament One – Kumagaya: Preview Of International Signings.
• Charity Williams – A New Experience With the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix.
• Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series 2025 – Expansion And Exciting Signings.