Shogo Mukai may be making his first appearance as a coach at Rugby World Cup 2003, but he is certainly no stranger to the showpiece having played in two of Japan’s three games in the inaugural event in 1987.
The former full back, who was appointed Japan national coach in December 2000, made his Rugby World Cup debut in the 21-18 defeat by the United States in Brisbane, with his final appearance coming in the 42-23 loss against co hosts Australia in Sydney.
Mukai had made his international debut for the Cherry Blossoms the previous year, ironically also against the United States in a 9-9 draw, with his only other cap coming in Japan’s 26-21 defeat of Canada in Burnaby in June 1986.
The 41 year old, who has worked to improve the fitness levels and defence of the Japanese national side since his appointment, played his rugby for Toshiba in the National Championship and was pivotal in their upset of Kobe in 1991.
Mukai spent six years as head coach of Toshiba, during which time they won the Japanese National Championship three years in a row.