For and Against
FOR AND AGAINST: Wellingtonians Jamie Joseph and Tamati Ellison have both represented New Zealand and made their mark in Japan.
WELLINGTON’S Rugby links with Japan are as cherished by the locals as the sizzling yakitori and colourful sushi bars downtown.
Former All Black Jamie Joseph has the unique honour of having played in two Rugby World Cup tournaments, once against Japan, once for Japan.
A resident Wellingtonian and coach of the local provincial Rugby team the Wellington Lions, Joseph looks back on his eight years in Japan with fondness.
“I loved my time over there, I still try to go back at least once a year.”
He sees his time playing at the back of the scrum for the Japanese national Rugby team as a great honour.
“When I went over I never thought in a million years I’d end up playing in a Rugby World Cup for Japan.”
And while he has numerous Japanese friends from his time there, Joseph knows where his heart will be for the Rugby World Cup 2011 New Zealand.
“I’ll always be supporting New Zealand.”
He knows what it’s like to visit Wellington, as a regular host to visiting Japanese Rugby teams and coaches and loves cooking Japanese food for his guests.
It fits perfectly with his love of the sea and living close to Wellington’s wild south coast, and the abundant Cook Strait.
Often taking his guests fishing or diving during their visit, he loves the reaction at the beautiful fish and scenery he gets to show off.
“They just cannot believe how much sea life there is so close to our coast.”
It is a short distance from the iconic Red Rocks of the south coast to the dining and entertainment neighbourhood surrounding Courtenay Place, and rising Rugby star Tamati Ellison, born in Wellington, loves the compact nature of the city and the lifestyle it allows.
“I love being able to get to the beach so easily, to just go for a swim in Evans Bay and then go downtown from there.”
After representing the Super 14 Hurricanes, Ellison joined the Ricoh BlackRams in Tokyo, switching from his traditional wing position to play as a first five-eighth.
He will be looking homeward as the RWC 2011 New Zealand kicks off and knows the feeling will be strange.
“I’ll be feeling quite proud…hoping the All Blacks can do it back in the home country.”
As for Japanese visitors to Wellington? His advice is to get out and meet some Wellingtonians. “They’ll love it. There’s a great nightlife, plenty to do.”
Go on, join us
