Rugby: Scrum-half Tanaka to retire at season-end

Rugby: Scrum-half Tanaka to retire at season-end

Former Japan scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka (C) poses for a photo with Kotaro Matsushima (L) and Rikiya Matsuda, his former teammates with the Japan national team, during a press conference in Tokyo on April 24, 2024. Tanaka announced his decision to retire at the end of his current League One rugby season with second-division Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Rugby: Scrum-half Tanaka to retire at season-end

Rugby: Scrum-half Tanaka to retire at season-end

Former Japan scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka (L) weeps as national teammate Kotaro Matsushima appears during a press conference in Tokyo on April 24, 2024. Tanaka announced his decision to retire at the end of the League One rugby season with second-division Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

NICE, France, Sept. 18 Kyodo - Japan's Kotaro Matsushima attends a press conference at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 18, 2023, ahead of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against England on Sept. 17. (Kyodo)

Rugby: Japan players Inagaki, Matsushima

Rugby: Japan players Inagaki, Matsushima

Japan rugby players Keita Inagaki (L) and Kotaro Matsushima take part in an event in Tokyo on Oct. 29, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (C) runs with the ball during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Argentina at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France, on Oct. 8, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (far L) bursts through the Argentina defense during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France, on Oct. 8, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Argentina

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (L) runs with the ball during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Argentina at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France, on Oct. 8, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Samoa

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. Samoa

Kotaro Matsushima (R) of Japan carries the ball forward with Michael Leitch in support during the second half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Samoa at Stadium de Toulouse in Toulouse, France, on Sept. 28, 2023.

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan and Jamie George #2 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Courtney Lawes #6 of England and Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Elliot Daly #11 of England and Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Billy Vunipola #20 of England and Kotaro Matsushima #14 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (L) fends off an England player during the second half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 17, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (2nd from L) tackles an England player during the second half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 17, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (R) tackles an England player during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 17, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima attends a press conference at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 15, 2023, ahead of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against England on Sept. 17.

Rugby World Cup: Japan v Chile

Rugby World Cup: Japan v Chile

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima runs with the ball during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Chile at Toulouse, France, on Sept. 10, 2023.

Rugby: Japan's pre-World Cup training

Rugby: Japan's pre-World Cup training

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima works out during a gym session ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup at the Brave Blossoms' base in Toulouse, France, on Sept. 5, 2023.

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima from the Japanese rugby team trains at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima from the Japanese rugby team trains at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima from the Japanese rugby team trains at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima from the Japanese rugby team trains at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Training - Toulouse

Japan player Kotaro Matsushima from the Japanese rugby team trains at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Welcomed - Toulouse

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Welcomed - Toulouse

Kotaro Matsushima at the Japan Team Welcome Ceremony for the rugby world cup at Capitole in Toulouse, France. September 3, 2023. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby: Australia vs. Japan

Rugby: Australia vs. Japan

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (C) scores a try in the first half of the last game of the three-match rugby series against Australia A at Yodoko Sakura Stadium in Osaka, western Japan, on Oct. 14, 2022.

Rugby: Matsushima at Clermont farewell ceremony

Rugby: Matsushima at Clermont farewell ceremony

Kotaro Matsushima (C) poses for a photo with Clermont rugby teammates after a farewell ceremony in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on June 5, 2022. Matsushima intends to play in Japan's League One next season after two seasons with Clermont.

Rugby: Portugal vs. Japan

Rugby: Portugal vs. Japan

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (L) runs with the ball during the second half of a rugby test match against Portugal on Nov. 13, 2021, in Coimbra, Portugal.

TOP14 - Stade Francais Paris vs ASM Clermont

TOP14 - Stade Francais Paris vs ASM Clermont

Kotaro Matsushima (ASM) during the rugby TOP 14 match between Stade Français Paris (SFP) and ASM Clermont (ASM) at the Jean Bouin Stadium, in Paris, France on March 27, 2021. Photo by Julien Poupart/ABACAPRESS.COM (Credit:Poupart Julien/ABACA/Kyodo News Images)

Rugby: Japan hold on to beat Canada despite Hosoda red card

Rugby: Japan hold on to beat Canada despite Hosoda red card

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (L) scores a try, as Canada's Jamie Mackenzie tries to stop him, during the second half of an international rugby test match at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 11, 2016. Japan won 26-22, despite having to play with 14 men following Yoshiya Hosoda's red card in the second half. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby: Japan hold on to beat Canada despite Hosoda red card

Rugby: Japan hold on to beat Canada despite Hosoda red card

Japan's Harumichi Tatekawa (C), followed by teammate Kotaro Matsushima (R), attempts to carry the ball past Canada's Aaron Carpenter during the first half of an international rugby test match at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 11, 2016. The Brave Blossoms won 26-22, despite having to play with 14 men following Yoshiya Hosoda's red card in the second half. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Brave Blossoms finish RWC campaign with 3 wins as they top Eagles

Brave Blossoms finish RWC campaign with 3 wins as they top Eagles

Kotaro Matsushima (R) of Japan scores the opening try against the United States in the first half of his team's 28-18 victory in a Rugby World Cup Pool B match at Kingsholm in Gloucester, England on Oct. 11, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Brave Blossoms finish RWC campaign with 3 wins as they top Eagles

Brave Blossoms finish RWC campaign with 3 wins as they top Eagles

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan runs with the ball to score the opening try against the United States in his team's 28-18 victory in a Rugby World Cup Pool B match at Kingsholm in Gloucester, England on Oct. 11, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan face off against Samoa

Japan face off against Samoa

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (C) tackles a Samoan player in the first half of a Pool B game at the Rugby World Cup on Oct. 3, 2015, at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan vs. Scotland in Rugby World Cup

Japan vs. Scotland in Rugby World Cup

Kotaro Matsushima (R) of Japan and a Scotland player fight for the ball in the first half of a Pool B game at the Rugby World Cup on Sept. 23, 2015, at Kingsholm in Gloucester, England. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan edged out of PNC final spot by Fiji

Japan edged out of PNC final spot by Fiji

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan is tackled by Vereniki Goneva of Fiji as Yu Tamura looks for the offload in their Pacific Nations Cup rugby match at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, on July 29, 2015. Japan lost 27-22 and saw their hopes of a place in the final disappear. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Matsushima of Japan goes on offensive against Canada in PNC opener

Matsushima of Japan goes on offensive against Canada in PNC opener

Kotaro Matsushima (2nd from R) of Japan's national rugby union team goes on the offensive against Canada in a World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup opener in San Jose in the U.S. state of California on July 19, 2015. Japan beat Canada 20-6. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Matsushima of Japan national rugby team practices in San Jose

Matsushima of Japan national rugby team practices in San Jose

Kotaro Matsushima, a South African-born member of Japan's national rugby union team, practices in San Jose in the U.S. state of California on July 20, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan beat Canada to start Pacific Nations Cup

Japan beat Canada to start Pacific Nations Cup

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan forces his way through Canada's defense during the first half of an opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup, in San Jose, California, on July 18, 2015. Japan won 20-6. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby: Champions Cup

Rugby: Champions Cup

Kotaro Matsushima of French side Clermont runs with the ball during a Champions Cup round of 16 match against English side Wasps on April 3, 2021, in Coventry, England.

Rugby: Champions Cup

Rugby: Champions Cup

Kotaro Matsushima of French side Clermont runs with the ball during a Champions Cup round of 16 match against English side Wasps on April 3, 2021, in Coventry, England.

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Scotland

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Scotland

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan reacts after scoring a try during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Scotland on Oct. 13, 2019, in Yokohama, eastern Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan scores a try shortly before the end of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa on Oct. 5, 2019, in Toyota, central Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan scores a try shortly before the end of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa on Oct. 5, 2019, in Toyota, central Japan. Seen on the right is his teammate Kenki Fukuoka. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Kotaro Matsushima (R, bottom) of Japan is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a try shortly before the end of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa on Oct. 5, 2019, in Toyota, central Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan scores a try shortly before the end of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa on Oct. 5, 2019, in Toyota, central Japan. Seen on the right is his teammate Kenki Fukuoka. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan scores a try during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Russia on Sept. 20, 2019, in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Kotaro Matsushima (C) of Japan runs with the ball on his way to scoring a try during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Russia in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Sept. 20, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Kotaro Matsushima of Japan scores a try during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Russia on Sept. 20, 2019, in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo