Hansen’s picks boon for Valley

New Zealand has become synonymous with rugby. Players come from all over the world to get a taste of Kiwi footy, and North Otago is no exception. This week Nic Duff catches up with a Japanese duo who are late additions to Valley. 

It must be pretty handy to have Sir Steve Hansen on speed dial.

Valley co-coach Barry Matthews reached out to his old mate, who is now the director of rugby at Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, earlier this year to see if any players were keen for a season overseas.

The former All Blacks coach offered up hooker Ryusei Kato and midfielder Chihiro Matsuyama who have joined Valley for the second half of the Citizens Shield competition.

Kato has played 33 matches for Verblitz, with 10 of those coming in the past season, where they finished seventh.

Matsuyama is yet to make his debut for the top side, but has been in the squad for the past two years and played for their development teams.

All it took was two phone calls to Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 World Cup, to get the duo to Oamaru, Matthews said.

"I just rung Steve in February and March when I knew we were short of numbers.

"Steve was outstanding, really, and the boys have fitted in really well."

Kato has enjoyed picking Hansen’s brain, particularly around his mindset and approach to games.

The pair have found another good mentor in Matthews, who has helped them with their ball skills in open play.

There is a strong southern connection to Verblitz, with former Highlanders Aaron Smith, Josh Dickson and Japan captain Kazuki Himeno all turning out for Verblitz this past season.

The Japanese club has six players in New Zealand at the moment, three in Southland and another in Taranaki.

The language barrier has been difficult at times, but both players are studying every day to improve their English.

Their Valley team-mates have also been trying their hand at a few Japanese words and phrases as well and mobile translators have also been helpful.

But Matsuyama has set himself a challenge to speak only English for the remainder of his stay in North Otago.

Coming from a very professional setup had helped them integrate quickly, Matthews said.

Despite not knowing anything about Oamaru, Matsuyama was familiar with Otago through "Japanese legend" Fumiaki Tanaka and his stint with the Highlanders, including winning the 2015 Super Rugby title.

Verblitz representatives visited the Weston club when the pair first arrived and watched the team training and checked out their facilities.

There was a mutual interest in continuing the partnership between Valley and Verblitz, Matthews said.

Matsuyama hoped to return to Valley in 2025.