Match Ball Delivery: Shoma Uesugi

Meet Shoma Uesugi from Tokyo, Japan, who will deliver the match ball onto the field when his country hosts Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama, in the final fixture of the Group Stages.

DHL’s global Match Ball Delivery program has given 48 lucky children the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver the official match ball onto the field at a Rugby World Cup 2019™ match.

Shoma is a keen rugby player who has been playing the game since he was 8 years old. Now 13, he still has a huge passion for the game and can’t wait for the tournament to start.

Get to know Shoma ahead of Rugby World Cup and watch out for his journey on DHL Rugby social media (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) during the tournament.

1. What’s your favourite position to play in Rugby?

I love playing on the wing because it’s where you get the most opportunities to score tries – and I love scoring tries!

"I was sure I was dreaming!"

Shoma Uesugi

2. How did you feel when you heard you had been selected to carry an official match ball onto the pitch at RWC 2019?

I really wasn’t expecting to be selected, so when I heard my name, I couldn’t quite believe it; I was sure I was dreaming! I’m so excited to deliver the match ball at International Stadium Yokohama on October 12 and also that matches will be played in my hometown!

3. Do you think you’ll be nervous taking the ball onto the field?

I don’t think I’ll be nervous on the match day, but I think in the weeks leading up to it I will be as I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I just need to make sure I can walk onto the field without tripping over!

4. What do you think it’s going to be like to watch the best players in the world live rather than on TV?

I can’t wait to watch some of the world’s best players up close! It’s going to be great to share the impact and thrills of the tournament with my friends and family.

5. Who is your favorite player and why?

I have three favorite players – Conrad Van Wyk, Ben Smith and Beauden Barrett. They’re all extremely quick and very accurate passers and kickers. All three of them play with great confidence which inspires me to play the game.

6. Who do you think will win RWC 2019 and why?

I think New Zealand will win. They’re the defending champions and the best in the world. At the same time, I really want Japan to win. They’re a united team under captain Michael Leitch, and they’ve played well in other test matches this year. I think they can compete against the best.

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