(Written by Azul: February 15, 2026)
The League One Round 6 match between Honda HEAT and Urayasu D-Rocks was held at the newly renovated Tochigi Green Stadium.
Honda HEAT, based in Mie Prefecture this season, has decided to relocate its home base to Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, starting next season. As part of the preparations, it was decided that Honda HEAT would play 4 games at Green Stadium as its secondary home base this season. January 24th marked the inaugural game at the stadium.
For HEAT, it was their first official game at this memorable new venue, so they were determined to win for the sake of the show.
The official capacity is 15,589. As Tochigi Prefecture’s only League One club, HEAT aims to be a team loved by the local people of Tochigi Prefecture.
The seats in this stadium are also painted in Honda HEAT’s team colors of red and black.
The overall head-to-head record between these 2 teams so far shows the Heat (HONDA) with 1 win and the D-Rocks (NTT) with 9 wins, giving the D-Rocks a significant advantage.
The League One standings so far this season are as follows.
| 2025-26 | League One Order(Division 1) 1/23 | |||||
| ranking | team | Win | Lose | Even | WP | SD |
| 1 | Kubota Spears | 5 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 139 |
| 2 | Saitama Panasonic Wildnights | 5 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 138 |
| 3 | KOBELCO Kobe Steelers | 4 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 68 |
| 4 | TOSHIBA Brave Lupas TOKYO | 4 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 16 |
| 5 | Tokyo SUNTORY Sungoliath | 3 | 2 | 0 | 15 | -14 |
| 6 | Urayasu D-Rocks | 3 | 2 | 0 | 12 | -7 |
| 7 | Shizuoka Blue Revs | 2 | 3 | 0 | 10 | -9 |
| 8 | Black Rams Tokyo | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -70 |
| 9 | Sagamihara Dynaboars | 1 | 4 | 0 | 5 | -62 |
| 10 | Toyota Verblitz | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | -64 |
| 11 | Mie Honda Heat | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | -59 |
| 12 | Yokohama CANON Eagles | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | -76 |
| WP=Winning Point | ||||||
| SD=Score Difference | ||||||
Key points to note in League One this season after Round 5:
＊ Last season’s bottom-ranked Urayasu D-Rocks have secured 3 wins so far, climbing to 6th place and causing a storm in the League.
＊ The Cannon EAGLES, once a playoff regular, have suffered a complete loss so far, showing a significant decline.
Now, let’s introduce the 2 teams facing off this day.
First, the home team: Mie HONDA Heat.
HONDA Heat finished last season in 11th place. They fought through a promotion/relegation playoff against a Division 2 team and secured their spot to remain in Division 1. Since last season, their parent company, HONDA, has seriously committed to player acquisition and development, aiming for a breakthrough this season. However, they have lost all 5 games so far and are languishing near the bottom of League One. Hopefully, the HONDA Heat can secure a victory in their first game at the new stadium and build momentum heading into the latter half of the season.
The starting lineup for the day was as follows.
| MIE HONDA Heat | |||||
| No. | Name | height | weight | age | |
| 1 | Tatsuhiko TURUKAWA | 183cm | 115kg | 30 | |
| 2 | Tevita IKANIVERE | 183cm | 113kg | 26 | Fiji 52 caps |
| 3 | Matthys BASSON | 191cm | 120kg | 30 | |
| 4 | Ryoma NISHIMURA | 190cm | 111kg | 30 | |
| 5 | Trevor HOSEA | 204cm | 118kg | 26 | |
| 6 | Franco MOSTERT | 198cm | 107kg | 35 | South Africa 83 caps |
| 7 | Talifolofala TANGIPA | 186cm | 117kg | 29 | |
| 8 | Pablo MATERA | 192cm | 110kg | 32 | Argentina 120 caps |
| 9 | Azuma DOEI | 172cm | 70kg | 27 | |
| 10 | Dawid KELLERMAN | 185cm | 97kg | 25 | |
| 11 | Rakuhei YAMASHITA | 175cm | 85kg | 33 | Japan |
| 12 | Johnny FAAULI | 183cm | 100kg | 30 | Japan7s |
| 13 | Kyogo OKANO | 184cm | 100kg | 24 | |
| 14 | Ben PALTRIDGE | 177cm | 87kg | 33 | |
| 15 | Lomanorava LEMEKI | 178cm | 95kg | 26 | Japan 20 caps |
＊＊ Key Player ＊＊
Lomanolava REMEKI. 178cm, 95kg, 37 years old. From Tonga. Positions: FB, WTB, SO. Japan caps: 20. As a member of Japan’s 7s team, he was instrumental in propelling the squad to 4th place at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. In 15-a-side rugby, he played for 6 domestic teams from 2009 to 2026, serving as a key player for each. He was also selected multiple times as Man of the Match both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. REMEKI’s strengths lie in his exceptional physical power, stamina throughout matches, and tactical awareness honed by extensive experience. He reads the flow of the game and delivers decisive moments at crucial junctures. Since turning 30, he has improved his diet, showing no signs of age at all. In fact, his current form suggests he may be at the peak of his playing career. I believe REMEKI would live up to expectations if called up to the Japanese national
Next, an introduction to today’s Visitor Team, the Urayasu D-Rocks.
The D-Rocks were promoted to Division 1 last season, but the Division 1 wall proved formidable, finishing last with a 3 wins-15 losts record. They managed to survive the relegation play-offs and secure their place in the division. However, this season, after winning their opening match, they have achieved a 3 wins-2 losts record and currently sit in 6th place, within the playoff zone. Considering the reasons for their strong form this season, they have secured many late-game comebacks. This is said to be the result of the new coach’s focus on improving defense and strengthening physical conditioning. Additionally, the players’ overall fitness levels appear to have improved. While the roster hasn’t changed significantly, the standout form of key players like FB FOLAU and CTB KEREVI is particularly noticeable. The question now is whether the D-Rocks can maintain their position near the top of the table as the season reaches its final stages.
The starting lineup for the day was as follows.
| Urayasu D-Rocks | |||||
| No. | Name | height | weight | age | |
| 1 | Hidetomo NABESHIMA | 176cm | 115kg | 24 | Japan |
| 2 | Ryuji FUJIMURA | 174cm | 102kg | 27 | |
| 3 | Seconaia POLE | 181cm | 112kg | 30 | |
| 4 | Shin TAKEUTI | 191cm | 110kg | 25 | |
| 5 | Manaaki SELBY-RICKIT | 200cm | 112kg | 29 | |
| 6 | Brody MACASKILL | 190cm | 111kg | 26 | |
| 7 | Tetta SHIGEMATSU | 178cm | 94kg | 26 | |
| 8 | Jasper WIESE | 190m | 120kg | 30 | South Africa 41caps |
| 9 | Ren IINUMA | 170cm | 75kg | 25 | Japan |
| 10 | Hikaru TAMURA | 175cm | 89kg | 32 | |
| 11 | Caleb CAVUBATI | 175cm | 91kg | 25 | |
| 12 | Samu KEREVI | 186cm | 106kg | 32 | Australia 50 caps |
| 13 | Shane GATES | 183cm | 95kg | 33 | Japan 4caps |
| 14 | Tana TUHAKARAINA | 184cm | 96kg | 30 | |
| 15 | Luteru LAULALA | 183cm | 95kg | 30 | |
**Player to Watch**
Samu KEREVI. 186cm, 106kg, 32 years old. Position = CTB. Australian caps = 50. Born in Fiji. Watching his play, you truly understand what a center should do.
In attack, he breaks through solid defenses. Even when surrounded by 2 or 3 defenders, he always drives forward, refusing to go down until he connects the ball to a teammate.
Conversely, in defense, he covers vast ground with his wide range of movement, anticipating the opposition’s attacks and systematically stifling their offensive threats.
His ability to fulfill this role as a consummate center is rooted in the formidable physique honed through his rigorous daily training. Seeing KEREVI on the field reveals the physique of a truly accomplished athlete.
Regardless, KEREVI’s movements as the D-Rocks’ offensive and defensive linchpin make this match unmissable.
Now, the first half began.
3 minutes into the first half:
Immediately after kickoff, while the D-Rocks were driving into the opposition’s territory, a HEAT player committed a defensive foul. D-Rocks opted for a penalty goal (PG) here. The PG spot was positioned almost directly in front of the goalposts, approximately 30 meters away. D-Rocks’ SO TAMURA converted it reliably, bringing the score to 0-3.
Early in this match, there were numerous turnovers in the scrums, leading to frequent changes in possession. Both teams featured South African and Argentine internationals starting in their forwards, making for a compelling battle of strength.
17 minutes into the first half:
After falling behind 0-3, Heat HONDA continued playing deep in the opposition’s territory, threatening the try line several times but ultimately failing to score.
Amidst this, D-Rocks finally entered the opposition’s territory, drew a penalty, and earned a penalty goal opportunity from a position similar to their earlier scoring chance. SO TAMURA converted it reliably, bringing the score to 0-6.
21 minutes into the first half:
Heat HONDA entered the opposition’s territory from the restart kickoff. Near the 22-meter line, they earned a lineout on the right side with possession. Heat HONDA secured the ball and moved it left. CTB Okano, receiving the ball, slipped through the D-Rocks defense and approached the try line. In the resulting scrum, scrum-half Doei seized a momentary opening and scored a try in the right center of the opponent’s in-goal area.
The conversion kick after the try was missed, but Heat HONDA made the score 5-6.
24 minutes into the first half:
Perhaps relaxed by their recent score, Heat HONDA entered the opposition’s territory. No. 8 MATELA successfully stole the ball in a ruck, opting for a penalty kick. This earned them a lineout on their own ball on the right side inside the 22-meter line. From the lineout throw-in, SH DOEI received a short pass and sprinted straight into the opposition’s in-goal area, scoring a try in the right center.
SH DOEI succeeded in outwitting the opposition with his play, flashing a satisfied smile.
SO KELLERMAN missed the conversion kick after the try, failing consecutively. The score became 10-6, with Heat HONDA successfully overturning the deficit.
30 minutes into the first half:
Heat HONDA entered the opposition’s territory again from the restart kickoff and advanced through a series of attacks centered on the forwards. Here, D-Rocks committed a foul almost directly in front of the goalposts, approximately 30 meters out. But Heat HONDA opted for a penalty kick to try for a try rather than a penalty goal. They earned another lineout opportunity on their own ball, inside the 22-meter line on the right side of the opponent’s in-goal area. Heat HONDA secured the ball, pushed forward with their powerful forwards, and finally, LO MOSTERT carried the ball into the right center of the in-goal area for a try.
The conversion kick after the try was missed, leaving the score at 15-6.
35 minutes into the first half:
Late in the first half, D-Rocks finally managed to drive forward into the opposition’s territory. While Heat HONDA focused on advancing through forward contact play, D-Rocks attempted to gain ground by spreading the ball to their backs. The D-Rocks repeatedly attacked near the try line in the opposition’s territory. Finally, SO TAMURA skillfully evaded the defense with clever footwork in front of the opposition’s goalposts and scored a try beside the posts.
The conversion kick after the try was successful, bringing the score to 15-13.
The first half ended with this score, leaving the teams separated by just 2 points heading into the second half.
With only a 2-point margin at halftime, whichever team seized control early in the second half would move closer to victory. Would it be HONDA Heat or Urayasu D-Rocks?
And so, the second half began.
5 minutes into the second half:
Both teams have had numerous turnovers in racks during this match. Consequently, even when advancing deep into enemy territory, possession often changes hands, making it impossible to look away from the game.
Amidst this, the first scoring opportunity of the second half fell to the D-Rocks.
The D-Rocks advanced deep into Honda Heat territory through sustained attacks. A scrum ensued, where Honda Heat’s LO Mostert attempted to steal the ball but was penalized for off feet. The D-Rocks opted for a penalty goal (PG).
D-Rocks’ SO Tamura converted the PG, bringing the score to 15-16. This allowed D-Rocks to successfully take the lead.
15 minutes into the second half:
After the restart, HONDA Heat entered the opposition’s territory and maintained possession. Several opportunities arose where a penalty goal would have been a likely scoring option following opposition fouls. However, HONDA Heat chose to kick for goal instead, persistently aiming for tries. Possible reasons included their dominance in the forward battle and the fact that SO KELLERMAN had missed consecutive conversion goals that day.
Then, near the left side 22-meter line, Honda Heat formed a maul from their own lineout and advanced, threatening the try line. The maul collapsed, and Honda Heat attempted a try through a forward drive, but D-Rocks’ defense held firm, preventing the try.
However, HONDA Heat’s LO NISHIMURA broke through the defense and scored a try just left of the goalposts in the opponent’s end zone.
The conversion kick after the try was also successful, bringing the score to 22-16.
20 minutes into the second half:
From the restart kickoff, HONDA Heat caught the ball. Their forwards linked passes from their own half and broke through the line. From there, HONDA Heat spread the ball wide to their backs. D-Rocks defense made key tackles, but HONDA Heat maintained possession. They passed the ball along the left touchline, driving up to near the opposition’s 22-meter line.
From the resulting scrum, HONDA Heat spread left. No. 8 MATERA used his physical strength to break through the line. Substitute FL MASIVOU then received a pass and, despite being tackled by the defense, scored a try in the right center of the opposition’s in-goal area.
The conversion kick after the try was missed, making the score 27-16.
22 minutes into the second half:
HONDA Heat kicked the restart kickoff outside. D-Rocks secured the ball from a lineout on the left side and moved it to the right, but a slightly errant pass was intercepted by HONDA Heat’s FB REMEKI.
REMEKI ran straight through to the opposition’s in-goal area and scored a try in the left corner.
The conversion kick after the try was missed, but the score became 32-16. At this point, HONDA Heat scored 2 consecutive tries in quick succession, seizing control of the match.
32 minutes into the second half:
This season, D-Rocks have been notable for staging second-half comebacks to win. After finishing bottom of League One last season, D-Rocks have already secured 3 wins this season and currently sit in 6th place. Key factors include improved overall stamina and a strengthened winning mentality, built by accumulating victories early in the season. Therefore, even with less than 20 minutes remaining in the second half, HONDA Heat could afford no complacency.
During this period, D-Rocks’ substitute players made their presence felt. Particularly notable was the breakthrough power of No. 8 IOANE, pictured above. Receiving the ball on the right wing, he shook off 3 opposing defenders, charged towards the try line, and finally connected with a follow-up offload pass to another substitute, scrum-half KONISHI. KONISHI then scored a try right under the opponent’s goalposts.
The conversion kick after the try was also successful, bringing the score to 32-23.
The D-Rocks’ counterattack momentum grew, but then the D-Rocks committed a series of set-piece penalties. With the score remaining unchanged, HONDA Heat secured victory in this match. For HONDA Heat, this marked their 1st win of the season and a memorable 1st victory at their new home stadium.
It must have been a joyous occasion for HONDA Heat in many ways to be able to show their long-awaited victory to their local fans in Tochigi.
** Jersey Collection 76 **
On January 24th, to commemorate the game at Tochigi Green Stadium, HONDA Heat’s new home ground, the basketball shirts pictured above were distributed to all spectators on the day.
Even before arriving at the venue, I had hoped that some kind of commemorative item would be distributed, and my hunch was correct.
The shirt features a print of the Utsunomiya Light Rail, a new symbol of Utsunomiya City that opened in recent years. Next time I will visit, I definitely want to ride it as a memento.
On this memorable day, HONDA Heat achieved its first victory of the season. Heat fans may be hoping that this stadium will be the birthplace of the Heat’s Green Stadium undefeated legend.
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Stop the war.
Peace to Ukraine
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