Ricoh Black Rams v
Wikipedia - Black Rams Tokyo
Black Rams Tokyo (formerly Ricoh Black Rams) is a Japanese rugby union team in the Japan Rugby League One. Being ranked tenth meant that, in order to continue in the league, it had to defeat one of the top regional clubs in a play-off, which it achieved.
Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU ("Tough" in English). The acronym stands for Team, Aggression, Faith, Unity.
In January 2008 it was announced that Stephen Larkham would be joining the team next season, but the team was relegated back to the Japan East League where Larkham would begin his career in Japan. In April 2008, Todd Louden was announced as head coach, to be assisted by Pote Human (Daily Yomiuri, April 26, 2008).
The team rebranded as Black Rams Tokyo following the rebranding of the Top League to the Japan Rugby League One ahead of 2022.
The team's name, "Black Rams," reflects their aggressive and tenacious style of play on the field. They are known for their physicality, speed, and skillful execution of plays. The team's colors, black and yellow, symbolize their determination and resilience in the face of tough competition.
The Ricoh Black Rams have a dedicated fan base and a reputation for producing talented players who go on to represent Japan on the international stage. With a strong coaching staff and a roster of skilled athletes, the team continues to be a formidable force in Japanese rugby.
Off the field, the Ricoh Black Rams are actively involved in community outreach programs and initiatives to promote the growth of rugby in Japan. They are committed to developing the next generation of rugby players and fostering a love for the sport in their local community.
Overall, the Ricoh Black Rams are a respected and competitive team in Japanese rugby, known for their fierce competitiveness and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.