Shota FUKUI is an international Japanese rugby player.
He plays at Saitama Wild Knights at the third row position.
Fukui started playing rugby at the tender age of 4 years at Kashii Young Ruggers in Fukuoka. His father was also a rugby player who played centre at Coco-Cola West. He first played for Japan in the U20's in the position of wing, but says he would like to play as fly-half.
Whilst in school at Higashi Fukuoka High School he mentioned to his teacher that he would like to play professional rugby. Mr. Fujita Sensei linked him up with Wild Knights. He was offered a contract and joined them straight out of school.
Fukui is tipped to be a big star in Japan. He has represented Japan through the age grades, led them to an U20 World Trophy win in 2019 and was a part of Wild Knights title winning side in 2021. His dreams are to win the Top League with Panasonic Wild Knights and to make the Japan National team in the Rugby World Cup 2023, for which he has been named in the training squad.
KG(02/07/2023)
Career
 |
Saitama Wild Knights No. 8 |
2018 - present |
 |
Japan U20's No. 8 |
2018 - 2018 |
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Kintetsu Liners Hooker |
2023 - 2023 |
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Japan XV No. 8 |
2023 - 2024 |
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Japan No. 8 |
2021 - 2024 |
