It seems the off-season has spared New Zealand rugby players being exposed to the full horrors of Japan's quake.
The season finished late last month and most New Zealand players are back in this country for relaxation before starting pre-season training next month.
Former Otago and All Black midfielder Pita Alatini was still in Japan and based in Kamaishi, near the quake centre.
Alatini, his wife Megan and family had advised family back home they were safe, The Herald on Sunday reported yesterday.
Paul Miller, who had spent five years with the Sagamihara club and is now back living in Dunedin, said most of the players were on holiday and so back in New Zealand.
Sagamihara is south of Tokyo.
Miller had tried to get hold of Alatini during the weekend and was relieved to read he was fine.
Miller had also sent emails trying to contact friends in Japan and was glad everyone he knew was all right.
There are believed to be more than 60 New Zealanders playing rugby professionally in Japan.
Former Otago players in Japan include Karne Hesketh, Ryan Nicholas and Josh Blackie.
