How The Rugby World Cup Changed Me

Katie
Katie
Nov 6 · 7 min read

It was September 2018, exactly a year to the cup. When I heard when the rugby world cup was going to be hosted in Japan I knew I had to go. But I knew deep down I wasn’t going to be able to afford it…

But on September 29th 2017 my dad passed away suddenly. However i’m not here to talk about grieving but to talk about healing.

My dad knew it was something I wanted to do but I had no idea he was gonna be the one to help me do it. After all he’s the one that got me into rugby and for that I am truly grateful.

When I applied for the games in the ballot a year in advance I wasn’t expecting to be as successful as I was (not with my luck with Glastonbury). But it was happening whether I liked it or not there was no turning back now.

The whole of 2019 I wasn’t myself because I was waiting for Japan (and still grieving for my dad). I was in NZ at the beginning of the year on a WHV. But I couldn’t even enjoy myself (even after doing a bungy jump) because for 4 yrs I had been waiting for the rugby World Cup to arrive (something I’m incredibly passionate about) and when the year finally came I was afraid something might actually go wrong or stop me from going…

It didn’t, everything turned out way better than I expected…

This was when I changed my outlook on life.

I was ecstatic when I arrived in Tokyo on 20th September. When I got off that plane all my worries and troubles disappeared. The Japanese greeted you with a bow (Arigato) thanks for coming. They really appreciate you being there. They really go out of their way to help you. I had nothing to worry about.

I attended 6 out of 7 games. Because I was offered an extra ticket by a lovely Scottish guy I met after the England V Tonga game in Sapporo to the Scotland v Samoa match in Kobe. Which made up for the NZ v Namibia game that I chose not to attend because it coincided with my tour and it was raining… (I had been very lucky with the weather even missed Typhoon Hagabis).

Each game, each city and each beer (Sapporo beer being the best) was so different however the people remained the same. Still just as welcoming and friendly in Oita as they are in Hiroshima, despite what they went through… which was quite a big eye opener.

I met a lot of amazing people on this trip. But my favourite person I really met was myself.

Here’s how many conversations went that I had with most other fans I met:

What brings you here? “The Rugby obviously!” Who did you come with? “Myself!” Wow you’re brave. “No I’m not people that fight wars are brave I’m just living my dream..(if that’s brave I’m worried about the human race)” How long you here for? “A month.” How did you afford that? “I have a job, a dead dad and dreams to fill”. Anything else?” Yea how did you get the time off work? “My life ain’t permanent why should I make my job?” besides If you are good at your job they will have you back if you’re not then it gives you a chance to try something new.

“Don’t call it a dream… call it a plan”

Wow fair play. Thanks but if you don’t mind can we get back to the game…

I gained a lot of respect from so many people. I have to admit I don’t think there were many other girls there on their own. So I suppose that’s an accomplishment. My dad would be dead proud (mind the pun).

There were conversations I was embarrassed to have, like where are you from 🙄🙈, before I could finish the word Eng “your countries a mess” land “Yes I agree it’s embarrassing but I’m not here to talk about brexit.” (more to escape from it). After that I refused to tell anyone where I was from unless they were wearing a British rugby shirt even then I just replied with the same place you’re from (the F***ing delivery room mate).

I’ve learned a lot about the world in Union but my favourite thing was the Japanese way of life because it was supposed to be about them and it very much was… the onsens (naked hot springs), the food(satisfying without feeling uncomfortable), the hospitality (I loved always eating out), the friendliness (konichiwa), the ryokans (who though sleeping on the floor would be so comfortable), the yakuta (who needs a boyfriend when their outfit hugs you tight) the bullet trains (shinkansen), the car parks (Tokyo drift), the cleanliness (hold on to your rubbish there are no bins anywhere) the alcohol (sake is not everyone’s cup of tea) and how can I forget the most iconic invention… Toto the toilet with heated seats, music in the background (what toilet anxiety?) and no need for toilet paper. I didn’t want to leave they became my best friend (what bad belly?).

It might be over but the memories will stay forever. Including my brief encounter with Eddie Jones, after meeting a lovely man from Manchester at the quarter final in Oita from the France V Wales game. He invited me to sit with him and his mates (keeping quiet that it was in fact in front of Eddie) at half time during a quick cigarette break. I accepted his invitation but was desperate for a wee. He said he’d wait for me but when I saw the queue I said I’ll go later. We took our seats the stadium was roaring it was an unbelievably close game. (Wales 20 - 19 France) Martin (the kind man’s name) said “Eddie’s sat behind you…” I couldn’t believe my eyes, I got so excited I was hysterical with my words when I told Martin “Omg I want him to adopt me.” if there was one thing I wanted to gain from this trip it was Eddie Jones as a dad (obviously no one can replace my dad but Eddie might have had a chance if he won us the cup). Martin told me to calm down and go for that wee I had been holding on for. I said I didn’t need it now (I got so excited I forgot I needed a wee). He laughed. Eventually I went and pulled myself together and came back and managed to get Eddie’s attention from being fixated on the pitch, hoping he didn’t hear my previous conversation… (don’t worry Eddie I forgot the papers, you are in safe hands) “May I get a selfie with you?” he smiled (I love his smile) and said “Yes” 😍. Then his rude security guard asked if I could wait till after the game? 🤔 (absolutely not mate I know you are planning on doing a runner and I don’t blame you.) I obviously said “ok”. But don’t worry, me and Martin snuck one in…

Another great memory was an awesome Namibian family I met in Tokyo. Found out they loved New Zealand more than Namibia even though they had a son that played for Namibia and their dad played for Namibia in 1999. We both had tickets to the NZ game so I said I would hang with them, although I didn’t attend the game, I spent 2 days with them. We went up the government building (55 floors in 45 seconds) and got a really good view of Mount Fuji. We then went to a steak house where we stood up to eat… (new experience) finishing off in Hooters to watch the SA v Italy game and taking full advantage of the all you can drink for 2 hours for ¥2500 including some food (got to line your stomach 😉). These guys know how to drink that’s for sure. I survived drinking with them and in return they invited me to come visit them which I’m super excited about.

“Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” - Ibn Battuta

I have to say the way we handled the final result was poor from our side. I almost want to apologise to the other teams for our approach (Gonemasai). If I could give some wise words of advice to the England rugby team it’s not about the result it’s about the journey. The result of life is death so it is highly important we enjoy our time here, look how far we have come and stop feeling sorry for ourselves. They should be walking round with their heads held high. What they achieved is impressive. Well done Eddie Jones (Thanks for the selfie 😉).

I loved Japan so much I contemplated not coming home as I was apprehensive (I would say scared but I’m not scared of anything after doing this) about the future of my country. Which goes to remind me when I was asked by a middle-aged British guy where did I see myself in 5 years time, (trying not to mention the unpredictable Brexit) I replied “If you want to be happy live for the moment not in the future or in the past.” I was currently celebrating with the Japanese (the best people to hang with) after winning against Scotland when I said this but its not very often Japan beat 2 six nations teams and go through to the quarter finals. I still knew what I was talking about as 5 yrs is a long time when I’m fully aware your life can change in 5 minutes.

Even though I knew my job was waiting for me back home, I know I will be back my friends.

Arigato Gozeimas 🙏🏻

Rugby World Cup 2019 Completed It Mate.

    Katie

    Written by

    Katie

    "Style Is Knowing Who You Are What You Want To Say And Not Giving A Damn"

    Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
    Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
    Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade