Hertford Rugby and the Oku Memorial Trophy 2013

10 December 2013

The Oku Memorial Trophy was contested for the ninth time on Saturday 7 December 2013 at the University’s RFC ground at Iffley Road.  This year for the second time, Ambassador Oku’s alma mater Hertford College and Vincent’s Club, the prestigious University Sportsman’s Club of which he was the first Japanese member, fielded a joint XV captained by Hertford’s Thomas Wetherald.

Vincent’s Club /Hertford College had a towering win in their first match beating London Japanese 57 – 0 but went on to be beaten by Kew Occasionals 48 – 22.  The tournament was attended by the Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Keichi Hayashi who presented a new trophy which had been donated by former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, President of the Japan RFU.  Ambassador Oku was tragically killed in Iraq 10 years ago and he is remembered not only for his contribution to the international post-war reconstruction programme in that country, but also for his efforts for Japan to stage the Rugby World Cup. The award of that tournament for 2019 is widely regarded as part of his legacy.