Touch Rugby is one of the newest sports at Canadian Academy. Now in only its second season, the program has grown quickly, fielding boys, girls, and mixed teams, making it the only CA sport where students regularly compete in mixed-gender teams.
With Touch Rugby not widely played by schools in Japan, opportunities for competition are limited. Outside of internal scrimmages, CA students have primarily gained experience by playing alongside the Friends of the Kobe Steelers, a group of CA community members with prior rugby knowledge. This year’s APAC tournament in Shanghai was especially significant, serving both as a competition against other schools, and as a clear measure of how far the program has come in less than two years.
For senior Tomoki and Grade 10 student Hana, being part of Touch Rugby has meant building something entirely from the ground up.
A first-generation team
“Everyone was a beginner at first,” Tomoki shared. “We were developing fundamentals as a team.” While that meant there were no experienced players to lead early on, it also created a unique environment where ideas were shared, mistakes were understood, and growth happened collectively.
Hana echoed that sentiment, explaining that being part of a “first generation” team was one of the reasons the season was so enjoyable. “Regardless of whether you were a senior or a freshman, everyone was learning everything. From basics to more complicated things, we all did the learning together.”
For Hana and Tomoki, joining Touch Rugby wasn’t an obvious first choice. Hana was hesitant to join as a freshman. “Because it was co-ed and a sport that I was unfamiliar with, I didn’t expect much enjoyment out of it,” she said. “But now I can say with certainty that it’s my favorite sport.” Tomoki wanted to socialize and be active during Winter, so he signed up for what was available.
Touch Rugby’s accessibility has helped it grow quickly. The basics are easy to learn and the equipment minimal, but mastering the game takes time. “It’s easy to learn the basics,” Tomoki explained, “but hard to fully master because it’s such a strategic game.”
A different kind of game
Unlike many traditional sports, Touch Rugby is fast-paced and highly strategic. With a limited number of touches, players must constantly communicate, protect possession, and make quick decisions… all while finding ways to score.
Tomoki, who also plays baseball and soccer, found Touch Rugby demanded a completely different mindset. “Speed matters,” he said, “but ultimately it comes down to communication and strategy. Constant collaboration with your teammates is what wins games.”
Mixed teams add another layer entirely. “Playing mixed feels like a completely different game,” Tomoki shared. Hana echoed this sentiment, describing mixed games as one of the best aspects of the sport, noting how it pushed players to adapt their play and communicate in new ways.
Over time, CA’s teams began developing their own identity on the field, including creative plays, and even a CA-specific strategy known as the ‘Grey’.
Taking on APAC
At APAC, CA faced larger, more established Touch Rugby programs. Some opposing teams were nearly double CA’s size, allowing them to substitute frequently, while CA players often had to push through entire matches with minimal rest.
Still, the teams rose to the challenge. The girls’ team finished 3rd, while the mixed team earned an impressive 2nd place, improving on last year’s results. In recognition of their attitude and conduct throughout the tournament, Canadian Academy was also awarded the APAC Sportsmanship Award, a reflection of the respect, encouragement, and positivity shown by the team on and off the field.
For Hana, the toughest challenge was the weather. Before one mixed game, the cold was so intense that motivation was hard to find. “None of us wanted to start warming up,” she recalled. That quickly changed when one of the captains pulled out a speaker and started playing music. “Everyone (including Ms. Freites) started jumping up and down and singing along. It was in that moment that we not only learned to stay motivated despite the cold, but also started to truly bond as a team.” It remains one of her favorite memories from the trip.
“There was definitely a moment where we realized we could compete,” Tomoki added, pointing to close matches and a one-point quarterfinal win that built confidence. What once felt intimidating by facing schools with more experience, became an opportunity to rise up to the challenge.
The team’s perseverance and spirit were also noticed by parents. Reflecting on the tournament, Hana’s mother shared, “The APAC Touch Rugby Tournament 2026 was simply a showcase of great personal growth and wonderful sportsmanship. Even in poor weather, everyone played with so much perseverance. CA athletes were always in good spirits, always cheering for each other.”
Growth beyond results
For both students, playing Touch Rugby really fostered resilience and a positive team culture.
“This season taught me to pick my head up after each game,” Hana shared. “No matter how badly I thought I played or how many mistakes I made, it was important to stay positive. That mindset helped me become a better athlete and teammate.”
That mindset defined the team. “We don’t get frustrated at each other for making mistakes,” Tomoki said. “Everyone understands we’re all still learning.”
Head Coach Ms. Freites reflected on that growth as well, “I continue to be impressed by how our students grow as athletes. They arrived confident (some a little anxious), curious about the other teams, and throughout the tournament they kept developing their skills and resilience.
Just as importantly this year, many reconnected with alumni and former teachers, met opponents from other sports and APAC competitions, and developed new friendships. There’s always joy in meeting again, and a strong sense of mutual respect that reminds us that sport is as much about community as it is about performance.”
Looking ahead
While seniors like Tomoki will be graduating, the foundation they helped build is strong. For students considering joining Touch Rugby, both athletes offered similar advice: give it a try.
As Touch Rugby continues to grow at CA, it is being established as a sport that builds community and resilience, both on and off the field.