Taisho Pharmaceutical Commemorates 25 Years of Supporting the Japan Rugby National Team with "All Blacks Clinic @ Toyota Rugby School"

Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Head Office: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigeru Uehara] (hereinafter referred to as "the Company") held a rugby clinic titled "All Blacks Clinic @ Toyota Rugby School" on June 27, 2026 (Sat.) at Toyota Sports Center (Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture) as part of its initiatives to commemorate 25 years of sponsorship of the Japan Rugby National Team.

This clinic featured the participation of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, legendary figures of the All Blacks (New Zealand National Rugby Team), for whom the Company serves as a premium global partner. The program allowed participants to experience the fun and appeal of rugby firsthand while directly engaging with world-class techniques and philosophies. Additionally, former Japan Rugby National Team players Toshiaki Hirose, Hitoshi Ono, Takashi Kikutani, and Takashi Miyake, who are also Lipovitan ambassadors for the Company, joined as coaches.

Approximately 80 elementary school students from 4th to 6th grade participated on the day, seizing a valuable opportunity to learn from world-class athletes and coaches, and fostering the growth of the next generation of rugby players.

◆ Experience World-Class "Winning Rugby"

The clinic included practical training sessions simulating match situations, in addition to fundamental skills such as passing and tackling. Richie McCaw emphasized the importance of team communication, stating, "Winning teams constantly communicate with each other," while Dan Carter urged thoroughness in fundamentals, saying, "The accumulation of basics creates the difference against the world." Both players actively engaged with each child, offering guidance, and the participants earnestly absorbed the valuable advice from their admired athletes.

◆ Participant Feedback

"I enjoyed learning kicking, passing, and tackling. It was a fresh and good experience even in the rain."

"Learning from world-class coaches was fun, with different takeaways in each of the three sections."

"Practicing with former New Zealand and Japan national team players was incredibly fun and inspiring. Learning from different coaches brought many new discoveries."

◆ Taisho Pharmaceutical's Initiatives

Through its "Lipovitan" brand, Taisho Pharmaceutical has supported rugby for many years, reaching the milestone of 25 years of sponsorship for the Japan Rugby National Team in 2026. The Company has supported rugby activities both domestically and internationally, including the Japan Rugby National Team, contributing to the sport's popularization, development, and the nurturing of future generations.

Furthermore, as a global premium partner of the New Zealand national team, the "All Blacks," the Company is deeply involved with world-class rugby and widely disseminates its value and appeal within Japan.

This clinic was conducted as part of these long-standing initiatives. By inviting All Blacks legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to meet Japanese children, the aim was to create an opportunity for them to directly experience not only top-level techniques but also the fundamental values of rugby such as "challenge," "discipline," and "teamwork."

Taisho Pharmaceutical will continue to convey the appeal of rugby through collaboration with top players both domestically and internationally, support the development of future generations, and promote social contribution activities through sports.

◆ Richie McCaw Profile

From New Zealand. Former captain of the New Zealand National Rugby Team. A historic leader who achieved back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015 as captain of the All Blacks. He led the world rugby scene with exceptional judgment and leadership, and was named World Rugby Player of the Year a record three times. Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

◆ Dan Carter Profile

From New Zealand. Former New Zealand National Rugby Team player. A legendary global star, regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history. He holds the world record for most points scored in test matches and led his team with impeccable kicking accuracy and outstanding game-making abilities. He contributed to the back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015 and was named World Rugby Player of the Year a joint-record three times. Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

◆ Event Overview

・Event Name: All Blacks Clinic @ Toyota Rugby School

・Date and Time: June 27, 2026 (Sat.) 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

・Venue: Toyota Sports Center (Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture)

・Participants: Approximately 80 students from Toyota Rugby School (4th to 6th grade)

・Organizer: Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.