Eight Bath students, who had never picked up a rugby ball before joining Bath Rugby Foundation, are embarking on a life-changing journey in Japan—an opportunity made possible by Premiership Rugby’s flagship inclusion programme, Project Rugby.

Thanks to this funding, the players are not only experiencing ‘international’ rugby for the first time but also immersing themselves in Japanese culture as part of a unique exchange trip to Beppu.

Alongside Bath RFC’s Under-15 team, the students will represent Bath Rugby Foundation in matches, cultural activities, and coaching sessions, demonstrating the transformative power of rugby.

Bath Rugby Foundation’s Community and Operations Manager, Alex, and Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Jack, are on the tour, supporting the students as they integrate into the Bath RFC U15 team. Over the past few months, the Foundation has worked to foster their confidence, teamwork, and friendships, preparing them for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—made possible through unrestricted funding from Premiership Rugby.

The tour, celebrating 30 years of twinning between Bath and Beppu, features matches against Beppu school teams and a visiting New Zealand side, giving the young players a chance to test their skills, learn from different rugby styles, and develop as a team.

Beyond the matches, the group has been fully embracing Japanese culture. So far, they have:

• Explored historic sites, including Monjusenji and Futagoji Temples
• Tried traditional Japanese bamboo crafts
• Fed monkeys at Takasaki Yama
• Explored Beppu’s famous hot springs
• Trained with students from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

For the eight students who were new to rugby, this trip is proving to be about more than just sport—it’s about confidence, personal growth, and becoming part of something bigger.

This trip is a powerful reflection of Bath Rugby Foundation’s mission to break down barriers to sport and provide life-changing opportunities for young people. Thanks to this experience, these students—who once stood on the outside looking in—are now fully integrated into a rugby team, travelling the world, and building a future through sport.

A huge thank you to Premiership Rugby’s Project Rugby, Knight Frank, Thrive Sports, and Prior Park for making this incredible experience possible.