"Almost no English literature exists about Japanese rugby, so this translation is a rarity. It is by successful coach Katsuyuki Kiyomiya, who won trophies galore with Waseda University from 2001-6 before taking over a Top League side. Among his ideas was reducing practice from six hours a day to two. The book's charm lies in its insights into Japanese culture: where else would a player hit by his coach for making a disrespectful remark later plead forgiveness on bended knee? And Kiyomiya's irritation at meeting weak opponents is clear: the stronger the opposition, the more Waseda had to strive for improvement!" (Alan Peary in Rugby World magazine, February 2007 issue, p.152)

Asian rugby has been with us for years, and teams visiting Britain and vice versa have provided rugger fans thousands of miles apart with a great festival of sport. But, to be honest, for much of this time, the Asian teams unlike their near-ish Antipodean neighbours, traditionally lacked the mettle to pose a serious challenge to the 'home' teams - well, this isn't the case any more - at least as far as Japan is concerned, anyway. Their standing in the sport has slowly but surely increased and strengthened, and if this progress continues, which given traditional Japanese tenacity is a near-certainty, then Japan will provide very stiff opposition indeed to our own boys in the future, and may even see Japan succeed in hosting the Rugby World Cup. This brief history and recent progress of rugby in Japan was first of all recorded by Katsuyuki Kiyomiya, which is rather apt as Katsuyuki, through his coaching skills and enthusiasm, has been an integral part of the rise in prestige of Rugby in Japan, from the University game through to the semi-professional league. And now, courtesy of the translation skills of rugby player / fan Ian Ruxton, on a sporting sabbatical away from the more musty, dusty world of Victorian and Edwardian Anglo Japanese diplomacy, the success story which is Japanese rugby is available for the whole world to read about and delight in. The Coach and of course the boys, may well benefit from reading this book to familiarise themselves with what to expect when both teams next meet. Well done, Ian Ruxton, for bringing this to us all, and of course, a thumbs up as well to Katsuyuki Kiyomiya, ( the author of the original Japanese edition ) as well as his mentor, the late Katsuhiko Oku, ( who played for Oxford University but tragically died in Iraq in 2003 ), and all those who promote, sponsor, coach and play this great game in Japan.

Lovers of Rugby in all its manifestations should add this true story to their collection. Ultimate Crush brings to the fore the story of an unsung hero - beautifully translated and highly recommended.