As the captain of the Japan national team, Michael Leitch is one of the most recognisable faces in rugby union today. With a strong history in Super Rugby, a century of appearances in the Top League and over a decade of experience playing for Japan, he’s a true icon of the game.
On 7 October 1988, Michael Leitch was born in New Zealand to a European New Zealander father and a Fijian mother. However, he first went to Japan on an exchange programme in 2004 and attended Tokai University. As a result, he captained the Japan U20 team at the Junior World Championship in 2008 and he became a Japanese national in 2013.
Michael Leitch also made his first appearance for the Japanese national team in 2008. Although he received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on his debut, he quickly became an established member of the side and was a standout player at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Due to his performances for the side in the tournament, Michael Leitch was signed by the Toshiba Brave Lupus. He’s played for the side ever since, notching up 100 appearances in the process.
In 2013, Michael Leitch was signed to a wider training squad by the Chiefs in Super Rugby. However, he broke his arm before making an appearance. After recovering from the injury, he then broke his leg in his first game back with Japan. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and was given a second chance to play for the Chiefs in 2015. He then stayed with the Chiefs for three seasons before enjoying a season with the Sunwolves in 2018 before his Super Rugby career came to an end. Throughout this period and since, he’s continued to represent the Toshiba Brave Lupus.
Over the years, Michael Leitch has been central to several fine Japan performances and he played a pivotal role in the side’s World Cup victories over Ireland and South Africa. He was also vital in helping Japan qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in 2019.
Now in his 30s, Michael Leitch remains a giant of the game. We can’t wait to see what else he can achieve before he hangs up his boots.
Japan captain Michael Leitch has emphasised that he has no plan on retiring despite now being the age of 35, and has set his sights on making the World Cup in 2027.