Taranaki Rugby have extended their High-Performance Partnership with the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks for a third year.
The Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks are the rugby team of leading architectural, civil engineering and general contracting firm Shimizu. Shimizu was founded in 1804 and has constructed several notable buildings across Japan and Asia.
The exclusive Japan Top League relationship kicked off in July 2023 and has involved several exchanges of coaches and management staff.
Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Neil Barnes recently travelled to Tokyo to connect with the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks coaching staff and run a coaching clinic with their up-and-coming Academy athletes.
A contingent of Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks coaching and management staff arrived in Taranaki this week.
The touring party will fully immerse themselves in the first three weeks of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls 2025 Bunnings NPC campaign.
Hirokazu Takigawa, General Manager of the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks said the club is very pleased to renew their partnership agreement with the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for this season.
“Through our collaboration over the past two seasons, we truly feel that our team has made steady progress.”
“By continuing our exchange programmes, such as coaching development initiatives, we aim to absorb world-class rugby knowledge and strengthen our relationship through deeper information sharing."
“We look forward to further enhancing and developing both teams through this partnership.”
Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Fastier was thrilled to extend the relationship with the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks.
“Taranaki Rugby and the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks have a shared love of rugby and both organisations are always striving for excellence on and off the field.”
"The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls management team have built up strong connections with Shimizu’s coaching group and we look forward to building on these relationships in the coming weeks.”
Photo Caption: Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks Team Director Takahiro Niki (L) and Taranaki Rugby CEO Jimmy Fastier (R) in front of the new East Stand at Stadium Taranaki.
