Osaka University of Economics Rugby Team Signs Sponsor Agreement with Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd.

First Uniform Sponsor Agreement in the Kansai University Rugby B League

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, an announcement ceremony was held for the sponsorship agreement between the Osaka University of Economics Rugby Team and Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd. (*). Under this agreement, the company will support the rugby team as a uniform sponsor. This marks the first uniform sponsor agreement in the Kansai University Rugby B League.

Our university reorganized its administrative structure in May 2025 and established the "Student and Career Support Department." We have created a system that integrally handles everything from student life to career support, comprehensively fostering student growth. Furthermore, we have deepened our collaboration with Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd. in the field of employment and career support, and many alumni are actively working at the company. Against this backdrop, this agreement was realized as part of our club activity support.

Additionally, the fact that the Japan Rugby Football Union lifted the ban on the uniform sponsor system starting in the 2025 season served as a catalyst, marking a new step toward further strengthening and developing our university's rugby team.

*Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd.: A comprehensive rental company that develops products and rents out construction machinery, event equipment, etc.

Koji Akashi, Director of the Sports and Culture Center

Director Akashi touched upon the recent concept of "athlete-centered" sports, emphasizing the importance of an environment where athletes are supported by diverse stakeholders.

"By having many people, including parents, the university, and sponsoring companies, involved in nurturing athletes, performance will improve. We believe that this support will be a great catalyst for the rugby team to take a leap forward."

He also noted that due to the nature of rugby, financial support is essential for physical conditioning and the development of training environments, stating, "This agreement is extremely significant as it directly ties to improving athletic performance."

Takamasa Tomii, Manager in charge of the HR Section, General Affairs & HR Dept., Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd.

Mr. Tomii spoke about the significance of this agreement while mentioning the relationship with the university.

"Our company currently has over 40 alumni from Osaka University of Economics, and we share a very highly compatible relationship. For our company, which is a BtoB enterprise, opportunities for students to get to know us are important, and this agreement is one step towards that."

He also sent words of encouragement, saying, "The strength cultivated through sports will undoubtedly be useful in society. We expect you to first give your all to rugby and perform well in the league."

Ryosuke Morioka, Head Coach of the Rugby Team

Head Coach Morioka expressed his gratitude for the sponsor agreement along with his future resolutions.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the immense support provided as a sponsor. This agreement is a great source of pride for us, and at the same time, we strongly feel the responsibility to meet those expectations."

Quoting the phrase "Rugby opens many doors," he described the agreement as "the moment a new door has opened."

"With the goal of growing as individuals and improving as an organization, we will enhance both our athletic abilities and our human skills. We will cherish today's connection and achieve further growth."

Taishi Tezaki and Kaito Hirahara, Co-Captains of the Rugby Team

Captain Tezaki stated the following regarding daily efforts and team growth.

"While friendly rivalry with teammates in daily practice, team unity..." [Note: Sentence truncated in original source.]