From Kobe to Sapporo: Hayakoma Unyu-Backed Women's Rugby Team 'Kobe Fast Gyro' Qualifies for First-Ever Grand Final

The women's rugby team 'Kobe Fast Gyro,' supported by Hayakoma Unyu K.K. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo; President & CEO: Shinji Watanabe), has qualified for the Taiyo Life Women's Sevens Series 2026 Grand Final Sapporo Tournament. The team secured its spot by finishing 4th overall in the Challenger Tournament and will compete on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Daiwa House Premist Dome in Hokkaido.

This marks the first time in the club's history that Kobe Fast Gyro has advanced to the Grand Final.

The team placed 3rd in the first round in Nagoya and 5th in the second round at the Shizuoka Ecopa Stadium, resulting in a 4th place overall ranking for the Challenger Tournament.

Hayakoma Unyu, a company with deep roots in the Port of Kobe, views this achievement not just as a competitive result but as a significant step in expanding the potential of women's rugby from Kobe and connecting people, regions, and the world through sport.

Since its founding, Kobe Fast Gyro has faced numerous challenges, including creating an environment where players can balance work or school with rugby and building connections with the local community and businesses. This qualification is a testament not only to the players' hard work but also to the extensive support from everyone who has backed the team.

This year, the team welcomed Skye Stuart-Roberts, a player from the University of Oxford's rugby club in the UK. Her participation symbolizes the historical rugby connection between Kobe and the UK, forged by figures like the late Okihiko Oku and Seiji Hirao. Stuart-Roberts also works for Hayakoma Unyu on the Kobe Seabass cruise, engaging with the local community.

The team's activities are supported by fans, members, stakeholders, and the players' employers and families. Hayakoma Unyu, as the primary sponsor, has worked to improve the competitive environment and foster a wider circle of support.

The team's mission is to 'expand the potential of women's rugby from Kobe, inspire people, and connect Kobe with the world through rugby.' The ticket to Sapporo is a major step toward achieving even greater heights.

The Grand Final Sapporo Tournament will take place on August 9 at the Daiwa House Premist Dome. The team will compete with the support of all their backers in mind.

**About Kobe Fast Gyro** A women's rugby team based in Kobe, Hyogo. The name 'Gyro' comes from the gyroscopic compass that ensures a ship's safe navigation, symbolizing the team's unwavering belief as they move toward the future.

**About Hayakoma Unyu K.K.** A shipping company founded in Kobe in 1885. Based in the Port of Kobe, it operates businesses related to port services, maritime transport, tourism, and regional culture.