Interview with 'The Nagoya Redbacks'

Today we take a closer look at one of the fastest rising sports around the world today - Australian Rules Football.  Such is its development over the past 10 years, Japan has recognised, welcomed and is now embracing the sport.  Our very own city of Nagoya is the proud home of the 'Redbacks'.  We managed to hunt down their president, Ben Abraham for an exclusive interview.

Nagoya-Info:  Q. Could you tell us a little about the "Nagoya Redbacks" - how long you have been around and where you play etc? Ben:  The Nagoya Redbacks were formed in July, 2005, and are one of the newest Australian football teams in Japan. We practice in Nagoya, but we play our home games all over the Tokai region. As members of the JAFL top league, we play against 6 other teams from the Tokyo and Osaka areas. Nagoya-Info:  Q. Do you have a good following here in Nagoya? Ben:  Being such a new club, we don't have such a great following. This year we'll be playing at better grounds, playing against the best opposition, and hosting more events with our social club. Hopefully those things will all help to get more people interested in what we're doing. Nagoya-Info:  Q. How big is Aussie rules football in Japan right now and how many other teams play around Japan? Ben:  It's not a big sport here. There are two leagues, and about 10 organized teams across the country. Half of those teams are in the Tokyo area, where quite a few universities have started playing the game. Nagoya-Info:  Q. What is the state of Aussie rule in Japan at present? Has there been progress over the years and will there be in years to come? Ben: I think the game is moving in the right direction. We're continuing to work towards getting the game played at more universities across the country. The Japanese players are developing really quickly, and the national team has improved a lot in recent years. At last year's International Cup in Australia, the Japan Samurais made it through to the final 8 for the first time ever. I think the signs are good. Nagoya-Info:  Q. Has it been an easy road, getting the club to where it is now? How have you managed to to do it? Ben:  It's been a real challenge getting a team up and running in Japan. Fortunately, we've had a great bunch of people involved with the club over the last three years, and our members have worked hard to overcome all the challenges we've faced.  Nagoya-Info:  Q. What are your hopes for the future of the "Nagoya Redbacks" and in general, Aussie Rules in Japan? Ben:  We'd love to get more people involved in the club as either players, supporters, or social club members. We'd also love to have the opportunity to introduce Australian football at junior high schools, high schools, and universities. It would be great if there were organized competitions for people of all ages in Japan. Nagoya-Info:  Q. Finally, for people interested in getting involved - sponsorship, playing or supporting, who can they contact? Ben:  You can email us at nagoyaredbacks@hotmail.com or check out our website at www.nagoyaredbacks.com.  You could also call me, Ben, on: 09099030550.