Rhino once more sponsored the Oku Memorial Trophy tournament played at Iffley Road Oxford on Saturday December 3rd. The event is played to honour the memory of Ambassador Katsuhiko Oku, a founder of London Japanese RFC who was tragically killed whilst on diplomatic duty in Iraq in 2003. The tournament was won by the Kew Occasionals who defeated Hertford College in the final. Ambassador Oku became the first Japanese national to play for the Blues XV at Oxford and become a member of Vincent’s the prestigious university sportsman’s club. He was also very active as a member of the JRFU International Committee in promoting Japan’s ambitions to host the Rugby World Cup. The trophy was presented by Lynn Evans, RFU staff coach who was OURFC’s coach in the early 80’s when Oku played for the Blues XV.
You can download a copy of the Oku Trophy programme here
| Results | |||
| Hertford College | 19 | London Japanese | 5 |
| Kew Occasionals | 50 | Vincents' Club | 5 |
| Vincent's Club | 39 | London Japanese | 10 |
| Kew Occasionals | 50 | Hertford College | 7 |
Lynn Evans presents the Oku Trophy to Kew Occasionals joint captains Tom Clark and Tom Quayle after their 50—7 victory over Hertford College, with sponsor Rhino Rugby’s CEO Reg Clark, Hertford captain Andrew Gosling and OURFC General Manager Tim Stevens who refereed the final.