Kaito Shigeno, born on November 21, 1990, is a Japanese rugby union player known for his role as a scrum-half. He is an international player representing Japan and currently plays for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, as well as the NEC Green Rockets in Japan's domestic Top League.
Shigeno's rugby journey began in Osaka Prefecture, where he was born. He then attended university in Tokyo before joining the NEC Green Rockets ahead of the 2013-14 Top League season. He made significant contributions to the team during his time there, showcasing his skills and establishing himself as a promising player.
In 2015, Shigeno embarked on a new adventure by spending a year in New Zealand. He played for Ponsonby in the local Auckland league, gaining valuable experience in a different rugby environment. His impressive performances caught the attention of Auckland's squad, and he was selected to represent them in the 2015 ITM Cup, making six appearances.
Shigeno's talent and potential did not go unnoticed, and he was selected as a member of the inaugural Sunwolves squad for the 2016 Super Rugby season. During their debut campaign, he played in 11 matches, making valuable contributions to the team's performances. He even managed to score a try, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess from the scrum-half position.
On the international stage, Shigeno earned his first cap for Japan in a match against Canada during the 2016 mid-year rugby union internationals. He followed it up with two more appearances in Japan's home series against Scotland, which took place in Toyota and Tokyo. In his third appearance for his country, he scored his first try in a close-fought match against Scotland, where Japan narrowly lost 21-16.
Kaito Shigeno's journey as a scrum-half has been marked by his contributions to both domestic and international rugby. His skills, versatility, and dedication have made him a valuable asset to the Sunwolves and the NEC Green Rockets, as well as a promising talent for the Japanese national team.
KG(30/06/2023)
Career
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Sunwolves Scrum Half |
2016 - present |
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Toyota Verblitz Scrum Half |
2018 - present |
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Auckland Scrum Half |
2015 - 2016 |
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Green Rockets Tokatsu Scrum Half |
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Japan Scrum Half |
2016 - 2023 |
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Japan XV Scrum Half |
2023 - 2024 |
