Meet Sam Jeffries - From The English Premiership to The Japan Rugby League

We recently caught up with Sam Jeffries who moved from the Bristol Bears to Suntory Sun goliath in Japan, asking him to compare and contrast the game in both countries.

From your 7 years at Bristol as a player and a professional development manager, have you a standout memory?

The club winning the European Challenge Cup in 2020 was huge as part of the club’s journey under Pat Lam. We’d gone from a championship club to a European trophy in 3 years. As a player, I always loved the Bristol/Bath Derbies.

What prompted you to make such a big and bold decision to move to Japan?

I had visited Japan with my wife in 2016 and loved the place, and when some former teammates who had experienced playing out there shared their stories, it was something we felt we had to experience. Very few opportunities come up to live abroad and do something you love while enjoying a unique culture and life experience.

How much of a culture shock was it, and what aspects of Japanese life have proved most challenging?

Most aspects of life have been very different, and it’s taken some adjustment. I feel like we were well prepared, having spoken to other players who had made the move. The language has been the biggest challenge as it’s not the easiest to learn. Fortunately, we have excellent translators at the club.

Is it extra difficult to fit in when you’re faced with a language barrier?

At my club, Suntory, we have about fifteen foreign players who you naturally speak English with, and then about twenty of the Japanese guys speak good English. The rest, you are reliant on speaking Japanese with. As long as you’re willing to make the effort and try your best to fit into the culture, then it’s not a problem.

How would you describe the standard of the game in Japan?

The skill level and the speed of the game is excellent. I would say the League is less physical than the Premiership, and less set piece orientated as the weather is nearly always good in the Japan season. The calibre of top-quality players in the League has had a massive influence, but all of the young Japanese talent coming through is really pushing the League standards up.

What has been a favourite aspect of Japanese life?

The food is sensational - it took me about 9 months living there before I craved some western food.

Is player welfare a big issue in that part of the world?

The fact that the players are all company workers is an interesting dynamic as it means the players have a ready-made career for life after rugby. There is a strong respect for the players to represent the company well, knowing that the company will look after them. The Japanese players have also recently formed a Players’ Association to help support the domestic players. The clubs are excellent at looking after the foreign players as well.

Why did you choose N-Pro?

As soon as I tried the N-Pro, you could feel the quality in the design. Being in a high collision sport and a high collision position in the back row, why not take the best quality equipment to mitigate any head impacts

To any young athletes reading this, what would be your best advice?

Being goal driven and understanding your why (having good motivation) makes all your training transfer so well into the game. Being curious and self-aware to understand how to improve is always a great tool