Sachiko Kato (加藤幸子, born 19 February 2000) is a Japanese rugby union player. She plays Prop for Japan internationally and for Exeter Chiefs in the Premier 15s. She competed at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Sachiko Kato
Date of birth (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 24)
Height1.64 m (5 ft 5 in)
Weight84 kg (185 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021–Present Exeter Chiefs 22 (15)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017–Present  Japan 11 (5)

Rugby career

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Kato made her international debut for Japan against Hong Kong when she was 17 years old.[1] In 2021, She was named in Japan's squad for their European tour.[2][3] She featured in all three test matches against Wales, Scotland and Ireland.[4][5][6] She scored a try in their 36–12 loss to Scotland.[7]

Kato was named in the Sakura fifteens squad for their Australian tour in 2022.[8] She was later selected in Japan's squad for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.[9][10]

In 2024, she made the side for the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship.[11][12] Kato scored the Sakura's first try in their drubbing of Kazakhstan.[13][14] The win helped them secure a place at the 2025 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 WXV 2.[13][14]

References

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  1. ^ Ryall, Julian (2022-04-20). "The rising stars of Japanese rugby bringing the sport to a new generation". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  2. ^ "Sakura Fifteen Squad Announced for European Tour". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2021-10-30. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  3. ^ Scott-Munro, Harry (2021-10-30). "Chiefs duo named in Japanese squad". www.exeterchiefs.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  4. ^ Sands, Katie (2021-11-05). "Wales Women name team for autumn opener against Japan as Keira Bevan returns". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  5. ^ "Japan Team Announced to Take on Scotland". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2021-11-13. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  6. ^ "Japan Team Announced to Take on Ireland". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2021-11-18. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  7. ^ "Scotland overwhelm Japan in autumn Test". BBC Sport. 2021-11-14. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  8. ^ "Sakura Fifteen's Squad Announced for Tour Downunder". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2022-04-15. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  9. ^ "Sakura Fifteen Rugby World Cup Squad Announced". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2022-09-13. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
  10. ^ Mockford, Sarah (2022-10-09). "Japan Women's Rugby World Cup Squad 2022 – Japan 5-41 Canada". Rugby World. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
  11. ^ "Sakura Fifteen's 26-member squad". Asia Rugby. 2024-05-21. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  12. ^ "Japan Squad Announced for Asia Rugby Women's Championship 2024". Japan Rugby Football Union. 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2024-05-26.
  13. ^ a b "Japan beat Kazakhstan to secure place at England 2025". www.world.rugby. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  14. ^ a b Duskmourne, Quorra (2024-05-27). "Japan Secures Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Berth with Dominant Display". Global Rugby Network. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
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