The Club will honor rugby player Michael Leitch with its Sportsman of the Year award at a ceremony on February 5.

Having captained Japan's national team at the 2015 World Cup and the tournament four years later on home soil, when he led the side to its first World Cup quarterfinals, Leitch has helped to raise the profile of Japanese rugby around the globe.

Originally from New Zealand, Leitch attended high school in Hokkaido before graduating from Tokai University.

The 33-year-old flanker, who made his test debut for Japan in 2008, plays for Tokyo's Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Established in 1990, the Club's Sportsman of the Year award recognizes athletes for their contributions to their respective sport in Japan.