Marian College is pleased to host two International Rugby Programme students from Japan this year.  Miona Soda and Satsuki Gyoten have been at Marian for the past six weeks and will be here until the end of mid-July.

The duo are playing for two rugby teams, Marian College and High School Old Boys' Rugby Club while here in New Zealand, maximising their opportunities to develop their skills to take back to their clubs in Japan.

Miona said it has been a fantastic opportunity to be able to play both school and club rugby, getting two games a week as well as practices.

“At the club level, I am able to learn various tactics and advanced skill levels but then at the school level, I can enjoy just playing rugby as part of a team,” she said.“By playing many games, I am able to overcome my weaknesses and improve my strengths but I can also interact with people from different cultures and broaden my horizons in that respect as well.”

The difference between rugby in Japan and rugby and New Zealand became very clear quite early on in their time with the International Rugby Programme.

“In Japan, I built my attack with lots of signs and tactics but I feel that the game is built around contact and a high level of skill in New Zealand,” Miona said.

A particular highlight for Miona was scoring tries while playing for Marian College.Outside of rugby, Miona and Satsuki are fully immersed in school life, taking English classes, participating in Wā Whānau activities, and making friends with other students.“

Even though it has been so hard for me to communicate, everyone has warmly welcomed us into the school.  The facilities are so clean and beautiful and everyone is so bright and fun.”

To learn more about Marian College’s International Programme visit www.mariancollege.school.nz/international.

Article added: Monday 09 June 2025