From the Māori All Blacks to the Ricoh Black Rams in Tokyo, Tabai Matson (Tabs) has coached rugby on multiple continents—and Japan has taught him some of his most valuable lessons. 

We build on our learnings from top leaders as Tabs shares his cultural context knowledge with us that is also effective outside of locker rooms and scrums. You’ll be inspired to try your hand at your own version of the “head coach” persona whether it’s in business, sports or daily life in Japan or Aotearoa for that matter.

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In this episode you’ll hear:

• Tabs’ journey from player/coach to head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo
• Why TJ Perenara is captain this season and the fantastic example he is in the team and as a “negotiator” on the field 
• The unique challenge for coaching staff due to Japan’s traditional rugby pathways
• Tab’s favourite Japanese proverb, treat from the conbini on treat night and a go to karaoke song

About Tabai

Tabai Matson (Tabs) is Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo, a team competing in the Japan Rugby League One tournament. 

Born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand his rugby journey has spanned continents, from pulling on the black jersey for the All Blacks and representing Fiji at the Rugby World Cup, to playing and coaching for Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly Yamaha Motor Júbilo) here in Japan. 

He has built an extraordinary coaching career as Canterbury’s ITM Cup championship head coach, Crusaders and Chiefs assistant coach in Super Rugby, Head Coach at Bath Rugby in England, and the first non-Māori to coach the Māori All Blacks. 

His path has taken him across five nations, two Rugby World Cups, and over 300 professional games coached. 

Now based in Tokyo Tabs has come full circle - returning to Japan not only to coach but to immerse himself once again in the culture he calls “a place of strength and beauty.” 

Connect with Tabai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabai-matson-969846134/ 

Links

Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo http://blackrams-tokyo.com/ 

Blue Lock Anime: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/ 

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

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