Akihito Yamada is stepping onto the international stage for the TAG World Cup 2026 in Australia.
The tournament runs from October 15 to 18, 2026, at C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. For Yamada, the event marks a new chapter in a storied career that includes 25 caps for the Japan national team and a historic career milestone in Japan’s top-tier domestic competition.
Chasing a New International Stage in Coffs Harbour
Tag football is an eight-aside version of rugby where tackles are replaced by removing tags attached to a player’s waist. The sport emphasizes running skills and passing over heavy physical contact. Yamada joins the mixed senior squad as part of Maruwa Momotaro’s Narita, the club he joined after stints with multiple top-flight teams including Honda, Panasonic Wild Knights, NTT Communications Shining Arcs Tokyo Bay Urayasu, Kyuden Voltex, alongside international experiences with the Sunwolves, Lyon OU in France, and Seattle Seawolves in the United States.
Eleven years ago, he captured global attention during the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, scoring a memorable spinning try against Samoa that earned the nickname “Ninja Try.” In April 2026, he reached a milestone of 109 combined tries across the Japan Rugby Top League and League One, tying Hirotoki Onozawa’s historical record.
Expanding the Game Ahead of Future World Cups
Yamada stated that his decision to compete stems from a desire to spread awareness of the sport and grow interest in rugby ahead of major upcoming global events. He pointed to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, the 2031 tournament in the United States, and Japan’s bid for the 2035 event as key milestones.
“I want as many people as possible to know the appeal of the oval ball through rugby-related sports,” Yamada said, according to the announcement. He added that he hopes his participation serves as an entry point for junior players and women to enjoy tag football, while expressing gratitude to his club team, Maruwa Momotaro’s Narita, for supporting his ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tag football and how does it differ from rugby union?
Tag football is an eight-aside sport derived from rugby union, featuring no heavy tackles. Instead of tackling a ball carrier to the ground, defenders pull a tag attached to the player’s waist, making it a fast-paced game focused on evasion and passing.
When and where will the TAG World Cup 2026 take place?
The tournament takes place from October 15 to 18, 2026, at C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia.
What category is Akihito Yamada playing in?
Yamada will compete in the mixed senior category as a winger for the Japan tag football national team.
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