Rugby football was born in England in Europe and the English traditional bagpipe is known well. George Watson College’s bagpipe band leaded players at the opening ceremony.Wearing ethnic costume of Tartan Checks is similar to Japan’s crest. The checkers are varied on its color and combinations of grains. The peculiar sound of bagpipe was sounded over the field.

Referees from five countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France and Japan, controlled this tournament.I wonder the opening parade by the referees could be unique and everyone should be introduced one by one. They must have proud and responsibilities. Rugby Football is inevitable to have dense position and dangerous. So that it’s nice to hear that this or that referee had good controls at famous matches before. Good matches and good referees bring much fun, don’t you think so？

All the participated players came into field and lined up. Two representatives from Higashi-Fukuoka and St-Edmunds College Canberra (Australia) swore. Is the ceremony of swearing by player peculiar only in Japan?Are they only at High School sporting events and students’ matches?

Let’s participate the ceremony and match with joy.It is said that Olympic Game opening and closing ceremonies are highlighted such a joy.Players with cameras have been seen at the ceremonies.Different between Japan and overseas countries on the thought can be seen and it would be worthwhile at this tournament.

There are international spectators from guests overseas and staff embassies from participated countries.Bowing down to person is traditional Japanese habit and those who keep culture of `hunting people’ overseas may refuse to accept bowing which show the back of the head towards people in front, however overseas guests who work in Japan can accept the Japanese habit. They bowed to those who are concerned and to audience.

Before the match starts, both team players make line and bowing to. Referees and captains shake hands and make a greeting. It is natural at the high school games.Why shaking hands with opponent? At the oversea, it may not be understood. It is again difference between Japan and overseas countries.There should be respected towards opposition, not quarreling with but matching game.It is because the opposition is acknowledged as matching with. However, when I looked overseas team, there is no difference of like or not-like as far as match is concerned. Depending on the match, it might be estimable but the opposition is merely player in front. And, Fighting spirits seem to be escalated by that.Further, when the match is over, they praise much more than Japanese team member. Praising their efforts, the winner sends loser first at the gate and the winner follows after so that both of them have been friendly as a college at the same field.