Rugby World Cup: Japan's Southland connection grows

Monday, 20 May 2019

The Japanese rugby team will have a significant Southland flavour to it at this year's World Cup in Japan.

Long-serving Stags physiotherapist Karl McDonald has been signed on a five-month contract as Japan's physiotherapist and rehabilitation specialist.

He joins another Southlander, Simon Jones, who has been Japan's head strength and conditioning coach for the past three years.

The pair previously worked together in the Stags setup.

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'It's amazing to think Southland will provide two support staff to the Japan team at the Rugby World Cup,' McDonald said.

'Him and I have been able to use the Stags as a platform to something like this, it makes me extremely proud.

'I'm very thankful for the support network I have in Invercargill…. without my Southland roots, I wouldn't be where I am, and I'm always sure to remember that.'

McDonald initially looked at taking on some consultancy work for NTT Docomo in Japan, who he worked for last year. He also planned to join the Stags for another Mitre 10 Cup campaign this year.

However, that changed when he received an 'out of the blue' phone call from Japan coach Jamie Joseph to check on his availability.

'To be part of the Japan team while they host the Rugby World Cup is unbelievable and I feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity. This was not something I was considering and caught me completely by surprise and was completely unexpected.'

The Japanese role is another addition to what has developed in an impressive CV for McDonald.

He has previously worked for the Kiwis rugby league team, Samoan rugby team, and Highlanders Super Rugby side.

McDonald is currently in Paris for another role as physio for the men's sevens referees officiating at the World Series.

He will return to Invercargill on June 3 for a couple of days to catch up with his fiancee Carla Forbes and children, before linking with the Japanese team.

The contract with the Japan Rugby Union will continue to the end of the World Cup, although McDonald does have to duck away at the end of August for another important assignment, his wedding.

'I just want to knuckle down, work hard and gain the respect of the players and staff for what I can bring to the team with the skills and experience that I have.

'….it's going to be a great learning experience as well, so I'm excited to bring what I learn back south and share the skills with everyone.'

Japan will play the opening game of the World Cup against Russia on September 20.