Play the best rugby for Suntory

Suntory has several international South African players. Justin Downey is one of the highly expected future players. Although he covers same position as Schalk Burger, we asked him what's in his mind for the future Japan rugby.

◆Play that gives energy

—— You've joined Suntory this season and played a couple of games already, how are you finding Japanese rugby so far?

It's really good experience for me. Japanese rugby is fast and the level is high than I thought. The skill level is also high and there are many good players around.

—— Did you know that information before coming to Suntory?

No I didn't have much information. I was thinking to join the teams in England or France but I also had an option to come to Japan.

—— What makes you join Suntory?

Firstly, Japan has a totally different culture compare to South Africa. I had a good impression of Japanese people too. I am a friend of Ryan Kankowski who plays for Toyota Shokki and he also recommended for me to play in Japan.

—— Now you are in Japan and how do you find the Japanese culture?

It's been great. People are kind and if you need a hand, people will support you. My team mates has good attitude about learning new stuff from me and talk to me all the time. I think it's a really good start for me.

—— Sungoliath have Fourie Du Preez　and Schalk Burger whom came from South Africa, was this the reason for you to join the team?

I thought I wanted to play for the best team in Japan. I had a chance to talk to Sharks Coach (Previous Team) who then gave me an opportunity to play for Sungoliath in Japan.

—— Fourie hasn't joined the team yet but how are you finding playing with Schalk Burger?

In the top league rule, the team only allowed to have two foreigners on the field at the same time and we both covers the same position, therefore we don't have an opportunity to play together but the Japanese players are really keen to learn a lot from us and we would like to contribute to the team.

—— Is there anything that you learn from Schalk?

He is a great player and I think every player learn a lot from him.

—— In the team profile you described your personality as "Hate losing". In the top league opening match you were in the starting squad, 2nd game and 3rd game you were out of the squad and 4th and 5th you were reserves, are you disappointed about this?

Rugby is played for 80 mins, so I think it's important if you even play for 40 mins or 20 mins you just do your best to contribute to the team. I want to be in a starting 15 all the time and I understand that the team play is most important so I just do my part when I get a chance.

—— What kind of play do you think you can play to contribute to the team?

I think tackle, work rate and play that give energy to other players. Suntory plays fast tempo rugby so I would like to give energy within the team.

—— Any problem playing in fast tempo rugby?

No problem at all.

◆Hate losing

—— How old were you when you first playing rugby?

I believe when I was 6 or 7. It was natural for me to play rugby as rugby is a major sport in South Africa.

—— Played any other sports?

I played cricket before and I had to choose to carry on playing rugby or cricket for living. Up to High School, I played many other sports other than rugby and cricket.

—— You then choose to play rugby right?

Yes, my personality made me play rugby because I hate losing you know. When you play better rugby and start winning the games you feel like you achieved a lot. It was very interesting feeling.

—— Nothing has changed since then?

Not at all, I played a lot of rugby in many places but I really enjoy playing rugby at Suntory. Suntory is a very professional team and nobody is bored playing for this team.

Coming to Japan means you come out from the comfort zone, it's not easy to learn the language and culture but I am really enjoying at the moment.

—— Are you studying Japanese?

I think I'm not that bad learning the language. (Laugh)

◆People are really passionate to see us

—— Since you joined Sungoliath, what do you feel about Japanese rugby?

I think overall rugby level is much higher now. The other teams are also getting better and we need to improve more. Japan is now ranked 10th in the world ranking and I think Japanese level is much higher now.

—— Do you have any memorable games in your career?

I think all the games since the first game I played when I first start playing rugby to the game that I play at Suntory now. They are all memorable games but Suntory game style is great because everyone is constantly running until the last minute.

I also remember the game playing against Crusaders in Super Rugby games. The venue was at Christchurch and the stadium was almost collapsed due to the earthquake so we had to play at the small stadium. It was a first home game for Crusader since the earthquake hit so atmosphere was huge and the entire supporter was so passionate.

—— Have you ever experienced that kind of atmosphere since then?

It is very difficult to choose the best game as every game after that is memorable for me.

—— How do you find Japanese rugby fans?

It is different to Super Rugby fans but I feel Japanese fans also have huge passion about rugby. I still remember the game against Toyota which we played in July. It started to rain so hard about half way of the game but all the fans that came to see the game stayed till the last minute.

—— So Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019, how do you think we can bring up the fans?

I think sports in Japan are growing and everyone has an interest about sports. I believe rugby is striving to reach to other sports such as baseball and soccer.

I think it is important to create environment for the people to play rugby everywhere. I think it is great to host the RWC and there will be a lot of people coming to see the games.

—— You might be playing for the South African side in 2019?

I don't know about that (Laugh) I might be still playing in Japan.

—— How about 2015 RWC?

Springbok is very stabilized at the moment. Everyone wants to be in the Springbok squad but there are limits in the squad. If I have a chance to support the team, I will definitely support. But my focus is to play the best rugby for Suntory.

◆Tough and fascinate play

—— Are you married?

I have a partner but not married.

—— You look handsome so lot of the girls chasing you?

No, I'm just tall with blond hair so Japanese people feels intimidated (Laugh)

—— Is anyone from your family played rugby?

My father used to play lot of sports like me, he was a professional soccer player before. I choose to play rugby because I got bigger in body shape.

—— Did you feel it is difficult being professional athlete when you were young?

I think you have to sacrifice lot of things so it is not easy. Once you become professional you have to keep staying there you know.

—— Was your father happy when you become professional rugby player?

Not just my father but my mother both respected my decision and supported me even I played any different sports in my career.

—— If you have a baby in future, do you want them to play sport?

Yes, I think so. I will support if they become a professional player.

—— What is your goal for this year?

Win the top league and Japan cup, get 2 titles. I just do my best performance to get those titles. Winning is fun and Suntory have many talented players so I think we can achieve this goal.

Personally, I want to be in a starting squad but we can only have 2 foreign players at once so sometime it is quite difficult for me.

—— What kind of play would you like your fans to see?

I want them to see my toughness and fascinating play. Make good tackles and running good line.

—— What's your personality like?

I think I'm friendly and easy going. I get around with pretty much anyone. Always being a happy guy but I'm like crazy animal on the rugby field. (Laugh)

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