Koo Ji-won Children: Does Koo Ji-won Have Kids?

Reflecting on his teens, Ji-won says “When I first came to Japan, I couldn’t even speak the language. I faced challenges every day, but people were always helping me out. I was so lucky to have their support, so I could focus on my rugby. I enjoyed the rugby so much. Soon after coming to Japan, I knew I wanted to play in the top league someday. I always aimed to join the national team.”

Some may wonder how Ji-won, a Korean national, could play for Japan. But World Rugby, the international governing body of Rugby Union, stipulates that players can play for a national team if they fulfill any of the following conditions:

PHOTO CREDIT:
The Japan Times

(1) They were born in that country.

(2) One of their parents or grandparents was born in that country.

(3) They resided in that country continuously for the 36 months prior to play (this will change to 60 months from December 31, 2021).

Ji-won joined the Honda Heat after graduating from Takushoku University, in 2017. His debut for Japan was a match with Tonga held in Toulouse, France, that November. It was a dream come true. At one point, he was plagued with injuries but subsequently secured a position for numerous matches. He gained the trust of Jamie Joseph, then the Japan side’s head coach, and was selected as a squad member for the World Cup, held in Japan in 2019. He was fortunate to play in five matches, against Russia, Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, and South Africa. It was the ultimate opportunity—every rugger’s dream.

“I was adamant that I wanted to play in the tournament ever since joining the national squad in high school, and it finally happened. We gained so much support from those four victories—I’ll never forget it. Rugby became much more popular in Japan. Even after our defeat, people encouraged us and expressed their support. I was ecstatic.”