Kotaro Matsushima

About

Japanese international rugby player who has played for the Japan National Team and the ASM Clermont Auvergne French Rugby Union Club. He played for the Sharks in 2013. In 2014 he became a member of the Japanese league Suntory Sungoliath and helped lead his team to victory and fifth place to qualify for the Wildcard Playoffs. Because of his abilities he was included in the Top League Team of the Season. In September of 2019 he scored Japan's first World Cup hat-trick against Russia in the opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and was awarded the Player of the Match. 

Before Fame

He grew up playing rugby in South Africa and then Japan after moving there with his family at age five. After graduating from elementary school in Tokyo, he returned to South Africa to play rugby and finish his junior schooling at Graeme College on the Eastern Cape. During his studies he won the most outstanding player of the year award. At 13 he returned to Japan to finish his schooling, then moved back to South Africa in 2012 for rugby. 

Trivia

His kouta121315 Twitter account has amassed over 120,000 followers. He posts pictures and videos from his Rugby games, sometimes posing with teammates in the locker room. He also posts updates as to what team he is signed with, travel photos and pictures of his car. His matsudesuyo Instagram with 100,000 followers features more pictures of him from games and with his team. 

Family Life

His mother was Japanese and his father a Zimbabwean Shona. His father is Isao Matsuoka and his sister is Shigeko Hane.

Associated With

In August of 2021 he posted a picture with boxer Naoya Inoue to his Instagram.