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Japan Michael Leitch

Michael Leitch

Michael Leitch
Japan
Japan
Michael Leitch

Nationality

Japan

Age

36

Position

Back Row

Height

189cm

Weight

105kg

Michael Leitch News

Kazuki Himeno: ‘Eddie gave me a task - to be the world's best back-rower’

'I'll repeat it 100 times': Eddie Jones' ageist selection policy for Japan unhealthy

Pacific Nations Cup births new era for Brave Blossoms

Eddie Jones finds his star playmaker in 23-year-old sensation

Latest

Why Japan's 19-year-old fullback sensation has been pulled from national duty

Eddie Jones names 34-year-old Harumichi Tatekawa as Japan’s captain

What Borthwick's nailing that Jones got wrong for England – Andy Goode

Mick Cleary: 'Marcus Smith did what he simply had to do and that is declare himself as starting test fly-half'

England call up lock to replace banned Charlie Ewels

England star branded 'reckless' to miss All Blacks Tests

Michael Leitch Stats

Stats compared to other Back Rows
100%
Lineout Takes
33%
Carries
Tries
67%
Turnovers Won
43%
Tackles Completed
95%
25%
Dominant Tackles

Michael Leitch Stats

Stats compared to other Back Rows
Michael Leitch
Michael Leitch

Key Stats

Lineout Takes
17
Carries
27
Tries
2
Turnovers Won
3
Tackles Completed
0.95
Dominant Tackles
2

Season Performance

Minutes played: 314

Season Performance

Minutes played: 314
Michael Leitch

Attack

Rank
Points
10
Tries
2
Line Breaks
3
Carries
27
Carries Per Minute
0.09
Metres Carried
97
Defenders Beaten
5
Turnovers Won
3
Defenders Beaten
5
Touches
34
Post Contact Metres
53

Defence

Rank
Tackles Made
59
Tackles Completed
0.95
Dominant Tackles
2
Tackles Per Minute
0.19
Turnovers Won
3
Ruck Arrival Effectiveness
0.27

Passing

Rank
Try Assists
0
Successful Passes
22
Bad Passes
1
Pass Accuracy
96%

Discipline

Rank
Penalties Conceded
2
Yellow Cards
0
Red Cards
0

Lineouts

Rank
Lineout Takes
17
Lineouts Won
0
Lineouts Stolen
1

Match Stats

Michael Leitch Bio

As the captain of the Japan national team, Michael Leitch is one of the most recognisable faces in rugby union today. With a strong history in Super Rugby, a century of appearances in the Top League and over a decade of experience playing for Japan, he's a true icon of the game.

On 7 October 1988, Michael Leitch was born in New Zealand to a European New Zealander father and a Fijian mother. However, he first went to Japan on an exchange programme in 2004 and attended Tokai University. As a result, he captained the Japan U20 team at the Junior World Championship in 2008 and he became a Japanese national in 2013.

Michael Leitch also made his first appearance for the Japanese national team in 2008. Although he received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on his debut, he quickly became an established member of the side and was a standout player at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Due to his performances for the side in the tournament, Michael Leitch was signed by the Toshiba Brave Lupus. He's played for the side ever since, notching up 100 appearances in the process.

In 2013, Michael Leitch was signed to a wider training squad by the Chiefs in Super Rugby. However, he broke his arm before making an appearance. After recovering from the injury, he then broke his leg in his first game back with Japan. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and was given a second chance to play for the Chiefs in 2015. He then stayed with the Chiefs for three seasons before enjoying a season with the Sunwolves in 2018 before his Super Rugby career came to an end. Throughout this period and since, he's continued to represent the Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Over the years, Michael Leitch has been central to several fine Japan performances and he played a pivotal role in the side's World Cup victories over Ireland and South Africa. He was also vital in helping Japan qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in 2019.

Now in his 30s, Michael Leitch remains a giant of the game. We can't wait to see what else he can achieve before he hangs up his boots.

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