Our dressing room received a special visit this week as sumo legend Hakuho Shō met with our squad and provided an insight into his journey, the sport and learnings. 

The yokozuna, in the top category of Japanese sumo, conveyed to the players a message of effort and humility, values ​​that have accompanied him throughout a legendary career in which he accumulated 45 titles, an all-time record. "Without a dream, the physical and mental pain is harder because you have nothing to hold on to," Hakuho Shō said.

After his speech, Hakuho surprised the players with a practical demonstration of sumo techniques with Vedat Muriqi and Hakuho's compatriot Takuma Asano particularly impressive on the mat. 

We were delighted to have Hakuho Shō on the island and at our home as our ties to Japan continues to grow.