Former Japan international Hiroki Yuhara dies at 36 - Ruck

Former Japan international Hiroki Yuhara dies at 36

Former Japan international Hiroki Yuhara has died at the age of 36 on Monday, the Top League club announced.

The cause of death has not been revealed, although sources with knowledge of the incident revealed to The Japan Times he collapsed while working out in the team’s clubhouse in western Tokyo and was rushed to a hospital, where he died.

Yuhara made his Top League debut in 2008, played in 120 games, and became forwards coach of Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2019.

The former hooker won 22 caps for Japan and featured in one game at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and was part of the squad four years later in England. 

“This news is so sad and sudden. I have no words,” Japan Rugby Football Union President Shigetaka Mori said in a press release.

“His contributions to the national team for so many years as a cornerstone of our pack are immeasurable, and we were counting on his future contributions as a coach.”

“I want to pay my respects for all you did for the rugby community and offer a prayer for your soul.”