As is his nature, the quiet and humble Stephen Larkham has been playing a significant role as one of the world class rugby players plying their skill and helping shape the future of Japanese rugby.
In this interview I did with him the other day, Stephen shares his insight into all things Japanese, including the culture, rugby and extreme weather during his first and, at times challenging, season with the Ricoh Black Rams. This is part one of the two part discussion on The Roar with Stephen Larkham.
You’re just finishing off your first rugby season in Japan, how have you found it?
“A bit of a culture shock. We arrived in March 2008, well before the season started, to settle in and get to know the area. My biggest concern was how the family was going to settle in. The kids are going to school and are really enjoying it and Jacquie (wife) is coping well with being away from family. It’s been great for the family as we have been able to spend a lot more time together.
“Rugby is rugby and the set up here is very similar to all the other teams I have been associated with. I go off to training every day and come home, so it’s not that different to what I have been doing for the last twelve years”.
In terms of the actual rugby, how have you found it, as it is well known that your first year in Japan is a combination of vast differences and frustration?
“There has been a fair bit of frustration, mainly at the different interpretation of laws by the referees. So I think the first year for many of the foreign players is trying understanding the different interpretations of the referees to an extent. Also understanding the way they play over here. The game is not as physical. Certainly, from time to time the tackle contest can be physical. But as whole, they are not as aggressive in the tackle contest and in defence they tend to fall off more tackles than back home”.
How have you found the speed of the game in Japan?
“I was asked this question the other day and I wondered if it was a result of the ELVs or just the way they play the game over here. The players are extremely agile. They are not overly quick, just very agile, very fit, and have a good handling skill set. I have found it challenging as I have a big long stride and am not overly agile, so when I defend I really have to focus as some of the players possess great footwork and agility. It’s not Super 14 quick, and obviously due to their size, they often shy away from the contact situation and their contact skills are not as developed.”
Are there any Japanese players that you think have the skill and ability to play Super 14 rugby?
“I have not really looked at any of the other teams apart from a little bit of analysis. In the Ricoh team, there is certainly some that have the potential. The 10, Kawano Yoshimitsu, has all the skills, is really brave and would develop into a good player at Super 14, providing he has the confidence. He is one of the best players I have ever seen in terms of being a 10.”
That’s a big wrap!
“Yes, but he fluctuates depending on his confidence. A lot of players are confidence players and Kawano is one of those”.
You were saying that this is the first full off-season that you have completed. Have you enjoyed it?
“The off season was long and very different. It was hard and a real challenge but I enjoyed it. The nature of the competition over here is that you do not have to be fresh to compete and often games are two weeks apart, so training during the season has been hard. My knees have stood up, which has been great, and realistically the more I run the better they feel. I find that when I am doing more running they naturally feel better. So I suppose that is one advantage of the hard sessions”.
Read part two of this exclusive interview with Steven Larkham on Thursday on The Roar.
Ricoh played a challenge match to be promoted to the Top League on Saturday afternoon and Larkham featured significantly from fullback, with some deft touches acting as first receiver during phase play. Ricoh won the game 81–0 in a 13 try romp.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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