Strives to be a team player, the kind of player you would like to have on their team.

Since this past season, Hendrik has joined the Suntory Sungoliath. Eventhough He was a main statring player in Panasonic and also has been very active player in Japan National Team, He venture to join "the hard work team-Suntory". We interviewed how it was, what he accompalished this past season and future.

◆ For the Team

—— Looking back the last seaseon, what was the most imporvemnent you made?

I think, I was able to manage my physical and strength more. When my first year as a professional player, I could not control my body-physical and strength very well, but also I did not even know what is the professional player itself... However... since I came to Suntory, I have learned What is the real training and life style as a professinonal player.

—— Did you ever have any confusion or struggles when you joined Suntory?

For the first few month, I had a little hard time adjusting.... As I did not know how Suntory works? Or What is their training programs or life style so I had a little trouble with it. But after the few month, I was fine and also I think I was able to improve myself.

—— Is this means that you kept a good condition through the last season?

Eventhough I was not a starting member in all the games, I was still able to be a member in most of games so it was very good. Also when I was in bench as reserve memebr, I was still able to support the team and raise my sprits to prepare the game in mentaly and physically.

—— Did you have any frustration that not being the starting member?

If you are Rugby player, everybody want to be a starting member. So of course I want to be but I always forcused on thinking what I can do for the team. I have learned that being a professional palyer is always thinking what we can do for the team... so I did not feel frustration that much.

◆ Always looking after us.

—— What was your minds when you joined this team which already has the great player George Smith who received Top League MVP 2years in a low. Especially, you are same position as Goerge,,,, so How did iy feel?

I was very excited to play with the admired George Smith ! And playing with him taught me a lot of things. He is not only a great player but also a great teacher and coach. He is a player who valued the Team-Play and this has taught me a various things for my carrier as a professional player.

—— What did you learn from George?

When we were at the field, I leaned that how do I need to move. Simply, I watched and learned how he move and also He taught me how to improve the breakdown skill. He also taught me that how the professional player shoud be,,, inside and outside of fields.l

—— How should the professional players do??

Its a Balance in simple words. For example, When he was on the field or at the club house, He was always a professional and had the feeling of strain to everytbody. So we all felt that he was our leader naturally. However once he step out of the club house or fields, he is a very friendly, fun firiend to hang out with and who enjoys his free time. He always have a good On and Off balance so I want to be able to keep the balance like him.

—— How did you learn from him? What was his teaching method?

Mostly, watching him. After I watched George's play, I tried to run the same course as him and He was always watching me then if he thinks I needed to change, he told me directly. We were able to discuss our own opinion to each other so it was never on one way talk, We always taliking to each other.

—— So that it seems like you had a good private coah through the season!?

Yes, I really did. I did not ask him anything but he was always looking after me. Also He was watching the training he was not in. If I did not watching that I was not in, he came to tell me that eventhough you were not in this training, you always need to watch others.

◆ I am not sad.

—— So with all these memories, you must be very sad when he was leaving the team...?

Yes, but we both knew that this was not a good bye so we said "Kanpai" (lol) to each other with our drinks. Also he told me that he will come to see the game of Japan vs Asia Pacific Dragons. We are palying Rugby so we cross each other again somewhere.. so I did not feel sad.

—— So Before George left Japan, did he leave you some special message or note?

Ahhhh... No! (lol)

—— Since George has left the team, your position will be very important or in this season, isnt it?!

I do not think that much yet... but I will work hard and always do my best for my part and role that my team is asking me.

—— You might get a chance to be a starting membr this season so do you have any plans?

It was very unfortunate for the result as a team last season. Panasonic which I was in before took 2 trophies... So This is my motivaion for this year. All I do this year is that keep my motivation and do my best through the season.

◆ Let's Win

—— Facing the Panasonic, what was their winning or good point?

They are always good with defence. The balance of defence and attack was very good and having a Berick Barnes made them more stron and improve their balance.

—— This is your 8th year since you have living in Japan (Including your University), what is your vision for the future?

I have a lot of interests to lot of things but firstly, I as Japan National Team want to win the World Cup and want to get 2 trophies as Suntory. In a future, if possinble, I want to play the super rugby.

—— What kind a player you want to be...

I want to be a good player whom people likes, of course...

I want to be a player like... if some player who does not know me asks who I am, Then people will say It's Hendrik Tui and They want to have me in their team.

—— What kind a Rugby Player you want to be?

To be honest, I do not know and I do not have any image of what kind a rugby player I want to be... but may be, I want to imporve more better for my defence so may be Strong defence player?

I do not think the long term future, I always think about this seaon and then the year goes by, I would think that next season. I forcus on the aim informt of me and not so much for the long future.

—— We oftenly hear that a lot of world top level athletes always forcus on the goal in frot of them.

You must be reach to be the mind of world top level?!?!

May be.... (lol)

(Interview ＆constructed by Kazuyoshi Hariya / Edited by Yutaro Igarashi)
[Picture ：Aki Nagao]