Michael Leitch

Who is Michael Leitch?

Michael Leitch is a Japanese rugby union footballer of New Zealand/Fijian origin who plays in the back row for the Japan national rugby team.

Leitch was born in New Zealand but moved to Japan aged 15 to study. He learnt the Japanese culture and language which he says he now speaks better than his native English and is considered well integrated to Japan. In 2008 he captained Japan at the Junior World Championship in Wales.

He made his international debut later that year against the USA in Nagoya aged 20 and quickly established himself as a regular member of the national side. He played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and impressed as was praised as one of Japan's best forwards, winning man of the match in the loss against Tonga where he made a try saving tackle on Siale Piutau and scored a try.

After the World Cup he joined the Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Top League and in his first season he was named in the league's team of the season and given the award of "revelation of the season" at the end of the season awards.