- Every week on a Monday, our Soul of Sport series will take readers behind the scenes at top sporting events
- Kevin Quigley travelled to Tokyo for the first game of England’s summer tour where they beat Japan 52-17
- His photographs capture all facets of the clash and help to tell the untold stories of the post-season encounter
Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, KEVIN QUIGLEY travelled to Tokyo, Japan, for the start of England’s summer tour.
Steve Borthwick’s side were taking on Japan in the opening game of their post-season trip and put in an impressive performance as they overcame the Brave Blossoms – who are now led by former England coach Eddie Jones – by 52-17.
England were backed on by several travelling fans, while thousands of passionate Japanese supporters were also in attendance at the Japan National Stadium.
The excitement, anguish and elation from the match was felt by plenty more watching from afar and our man KEVIN QUIGLEY captured all the emotion and drama at the clash, using a Nikon Z9 and Z8 Camera, and 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 400mm lenses.
England took on Japan in Tokyo at the impressive Japan National Stadium in the first game of their post-season summer tour
44,029 supporters were in attendance on Saturday for the clash, with Steve Borthwick’s side running out winners by 52-17
Many Japanese fans were extremely excited to see their side in action under Eddie Jones, who is in his second spell in charge
Fans pose for pictures outside the grand venue in the Japanese capital to make sure they have a moment to mark the occasion
Several England stars proved to be an attraction for fans, with Saracens legend Maro Itoje particularly popular out in Tokyo
The reconstruction of the Japan National Stadium finished in 2019 and it was the main venue for the 2020 Olympics
Japan’s players bow to fans at the 80,016 capacity arena. Bowing to fans has traditionally been part of Japanese rugby culture
England’s players also salute the supporters after an impressive 52-17 victory which kickstarted their summer tour
A variety of food and drink options were on offer for supporters who were in attendance for the clash on Saturday
It was an impressive performance from England, but there were also positives to take for Eddie Jones’ side despite defeat
England captain Jamie George engages with supporters and throws a rugby ball to an excited young fan in the crowd
Larger-than-life character and Mail Sport columnist Joe Marler remains a part of the England set-up 12 years after his debut
Despite being out in the far east, there was still support for English rugby, including Sale Sharks, who came third last season
England were ultimately too good for Japan on the day, but Japan’s spirited performance was rewarded with some late tries
Will Stuart (left), George Martin (centre) and Maro Itoje (right) chat to and engage with fans at the Japan National Stadium
Dan Cole, England’s warhorse and veteran of four World Cups for the Red Rose, was named in the starting XV against Japan
Excitable supporters thoroughly enjoyed the experience after an extremely entertaining game between two attacking sides
One fan weighs in on the England fly-half debate with Marcus Smith (left) battling with Fin Smith (right) for the responsibility
Former England coach (second right) catches up with old colleague Marcus Smith (right) who was impressive for England
Jones (right) and Marler (left) share a nice moment. The Australian coach led England for seven years from 2015 to 2022
