Student teams played a major role in Japanese rugby for many years. Later, club teams were formed by young university alumni because the quality of the students teams could no longer be maintained owing to the war and reforms to to the school system. Then a rugby championship for company workers, starting in 1948, contributed to the promotion of corporate rugby. Before the war, it is said that only the Korean Railroad team could stand up to the student teams.

The first corporate championship was held between the three teams of Kintetsu, Toshiba and Haitan-kodan. Later, government teams joined from the fourth championship, which was renamed the National Corporate Rugby Football Tournament. At the same time, a local preliminary system was adopted, making this a tournament to determine the best corporate team. The matches were alternately held at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium and at Hanazono Stadium.

The scene from the opening ceremony of the early Showa era.

The Kintetsu fifteen who won the 14th Corporate Rugby Football Tournament in 1961.

The History of Rugby

1949 - 1964

1949

The National Junior High School Rugby Football Tournament was renamed the National High School Rugby Football Tournament - commencing from the 28th Tournament.
The 1st Corporate Rugby Tournament was held and resulted in a vicory for Haitan Kodan.

1952

Oxford University visited Japan to play against the All Japan team at Hanazono Stadium.

1953

Death of HIH Prince Chichibu.
Tokyo Rugby Stadium was renamed Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.

1960

Kanto Corporate Rugby Federation established.

1961

The 1st NHK Cup Rugby Tournament.
Winners: Yawata Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.

1964

The 1st Japan Rugby Football Championships.
Doshisha University defeated Kintetsu.