Shota Horie, born on January 21, 1986, in Osaka, Japan, is a Japanese rugby union player known for his prowess as a hooker and ability to play in the back row. Standing at [add height] and weighing [add weight], Horie currently represents the Sunwolves in the Japan Rugby League One.
He began his professional career in Japan's Top League, playing for the Sanyo Club before catching the attention of the rugby world.
Horie made his international debut for Japan in 2009, showcasing his skills and earning a place in the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. During the tournament, he featured in three of Japan's four matches, impressing with his performance and scoring a try against Canada in a memorable 23-23 draw.
In 2013, Horie made history as the first Japanese player to sign with an Australian Super Rugby club, joining the Melbourne Rebels. He gained valuable experience competing against top-tier teams from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, making 18 appearances for the Rebels over two seasons. His time with the club was followed by a return to Japan, where he joined the Sunwolves in Super Rugby.
Horie's leadership qualities and skill set were recognized within the Sunwolves, as he captained the team on several occasions during his 26 appearances, scoring three tries. He continued to make significant contributions to Japanese rugby, representing his country in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
With over 66 test caps and 10 tries to his name, Horie played a pivotal role in Japan's historic journey in the tournament, including their first-ever World Cup playoff match against South Africa.
Shota Horie's dedication, versatility, and contributions to Japanese rugby have firmly established him as one of the country's finest front-rowers in history. His journey from captaining the Teikyo University rugby team to representing Japan on the international stage and competing in Super Rugby is a testament to his talent and commitment to the sport.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Matsushima has been named in the training squad for Japan.
KG(30/06/2023)
Career
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Tokyo Sungoliath Outside Centre |
2016 - present |
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Sharks Outside Centre |
2013 - 2013 |
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Melbourne Rebels Fullback |
2016 - 2017 |
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Sunwolves Fullback |
2017 - 2020 |
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Clermont Auvergne Fullback |
2020 - 2022 |
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Japan XV Fullback |
2023 - 2024 |
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Japan Fullback |
2014 - 2024 |
