- By Andrew White
The Under-13 Gladiators of Pakuranga United Rugby Club have returned home as heroes after an unforgettable rugby tour of Japan.
With 25 players proudly wearing green and orange and carrying the silver fern in their hearts, this team didn’t just play rugby – they flew the New Zealand flag proudly on foreign soil.
This wasn’t just a tour. It was a journey of courage, resilience, and unity – a story that will inspire these young players for the rest of their lives.
The tour opened on a field rich with history – the very ground where rugby first began in Japan.
To kick off their journey here was deeply symbolic, a moment that connected our young Gladiators to the roots of the game itself.
For these kids, to step onto that field is something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their rugby careers.
Their first opponents were Keio Junior High School’s U15 team, a formidable side known for structure and speed.
Bigger and older, Keio tested every part of our game, yet the Gladiators showed no fear.
They met the challenge head-on, announcing with pride that Pakuranga rugby spirit can stand tall anywhere in the world.
The second stop was Tama Rugby Club, a day that will forever be remembered for both the rugby and the hospitality.
From the moment Tama welcomed the team at the train station, their warmth and generosity were unmatched.
On the field, the match was fierce and full of passion, off it, their after-match function created bonds that transcended the scoreboard.
For many of our players, this was the highlight of the tour – the day they truly felt the meaning of rugby: respect, unity, and friendship.
Day three was the defining moment of the tour. After two days of bruising rugby, the Gladiators arrived exhausted, with heavy legs and sore bodies.
The sun blazed down, humidity pressed in, and a long walk to the ground tested their resolve before a ball was even kicked. What happened next was nothing short of inspirational.
Facing multiple matches against U13 and U15 opposition, our kids had to dig deeper than ever before. Every ounce of energy, every drop of sweat, every bit of determination was poured into the game.
They played not for themselves, but for each other – lifting their teammates when it mattered most. Coaches and parents agreed: this was the proudest rugby performance of the year.
The Gladiators showed incredible resilience and unity, proving that true strength comes when you refuse to give up, no matter the odds.
Beyond the tries and tackles, the real story was how the Gladiators carried themselves.
They represented Pakuranga United and New Zealand with humility, respect, and mana.
From the historic Keio field to the blazing Shibuya tournament, they flew the New Zealand flag high – showing what it means to be young Kiwis on the international stage.
This tour was also a triumph of community. Months of fundraising – from raffles and auctions to sausage sizzles and golf days – made this possible.
Every supporter who gave their time, money, or energy played a role in sending these young athletes on the journey of a lifetime.
The Gladiators return not only as better rugby players, but as young ambassadors who have lived a dream few their age can claim.
They’ve gained resilience under pressure, lifelong friendships, and a sense of pride that comes from representing their club, their community, and their country abroad.
Pakuranga can be proud. The community can be proud. And New Zealand can be proud.
The Gladiators went to Japan with determination in their hearts – and returned as international representatives of Kiwi rugby spirit.
As one coach reflected: “They left as kids, and they came home as Gladiators – flying the New Zealand flag with pride.”
