Richmond Rugby Club’s Men’s First XV is gearing up for an unforgettable tour of Japan this May 2025. In true Richmond style, the club has assembled a 45-strong touring party to travel halfway around the world for a mix of rugby and cultural exchange. It’s a bold adventure – the kind few clubs at any level would attempt – and a fantastic way to celebrate the team’s recent successes. As the second-oldest rugby club in England, Richmond has a rich tradition of touring, and this Japan trip continues that proud legacy.

As the official bag sponsor and proud partner, Sophos has equipped each Richmond tourist with a personalised dry sack and a stainless steel water bottle for the trip. These aren’t your ordinary kit bags – the dry sacks are water-resistant, wipe-clean and large enough to hold a full rugby kit (boots, jersey, shorts, towel) along with extras like drinks and snacks. This means players can keep their gear dry, clean and contained whether they’re caught in a sudden Tokyo downpour or just moving between hotels and training grounds.

The accompanying bottles are equally handy: made of tough stainless steel, they can handle the knocks of travel and match days. Players will stay hydrated in style, with bottles robust enough for the sideline and personalised so they won’t get mixed up. Sophos’s contribution is all about making life on tour a bit easier – ensuring the squad can focus on rugby and enjoyment without worrying about soggy boots or flimsy bottles.

The Japan tour promises to be a unique blend of sporting challenge and cultural experience. While the detailed itinerary hasn’t been widely publicised, the Richmond squad is looking forward to playing rugby on foreign soil and immersing themselves in Japan’s vibrant culture. From testing themselves against local competition to exploring famous sights, the team will bond and grow through every experience. These tours are part and parcel of Richmond rugby – beyond the on-field action, it’s about camaraderie, global rugby friendship, and making lifelong memories.

This partnership between Sophos and Richmond Rugby highlights the power of community and teamwork beyond the pitch. For Sophos, supporting the Richmond Rugby international tour is a way to give back and be part of an incredible journey. For the players, it’s reassuring to have a sponsor that cares about the practical details – like keeping their belongings safe and dry – as well as their success on the field.

As the Richmond boys embark on this Japan tour, excitement is running high. The combination of rugby, travel and cultural discovery is sure to make this a tour to remember. Sophos is thrilled to play a small role in that story by keeping the team prepared and equipped.

We’ll be cheering on Richmond Rugby Club as they fly the flag in Japan – and we can’t wait to hear the stories and triumphs that come out of this incredible experience.