Harumichi Tatekawa (立川 理道, Tatekawa Harumichi, born 2 December 1989) is a Japanese rugby union player who can play either as a fly-half or centre. He plays for the Kubota Spears in Japan and the Brumbies in the international Super Rugby competition.[1][2]
 Harumichi Tatekawa with team mates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Harumichi Tatekawa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 2 December 1989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Nara, Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 95 kg (14 st 13 lb; 209 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Tenri University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Career
editTatekawa started his professional career in Japan's Top League playing for Kubota Spears in Chiba.[3] His impressive record made the former Australia national coach Eddie Jones recommend him to Brumbies' boss Stephen Larkham. The Brumbies were looking for new talent in the 10/12 area due to an injury to Christian Lealiifano and were happy to take him on as part of their development plan. The former Wallabies and Spears player Toutai Kefu sang Tatekawa's praises on signing for the Brumbies, saying he was the best Japanese player he had ever seen.[2]
International
editTatekawa made his international debut for the Brave Blossoms in an away match against Kazakhstan in April 2012. To date[when?] he has made 39 appearances and scored 59 points including seven tries.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Tatekawa signs on as UC Brumbies first Japanese player" (Press release). Brumbies. 7 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
- "Brumbies dip into Japan market". Rugby 365. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014. - ^ a b "Brumbies sign Japan star Harumichi Tatekawa". ESPN Scrum. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "Harumichi Tatekawa itsrugby.co.uk Player Statistics". Its Rugby. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "Harumichi Tatekawa". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 6 January 2014.