Japan's Most Capped Player Hangs Up His Boots
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At the age of 42, Hitoshi Ono - Japan most capped player of all time, has decided to retire after 98 appearances in a career spanning two decades.
Hitoshi was originally a baseball player, taking up rugby in 2001 while studying to become a firefighter at Nihon University. At 1.96m tall and 106kg, he was hot property in Japan as a second-row forward being well above the average height and weight in the country.
Nicknamed "Iron Man" due his uncompromising style of play, Hitoshi kicked off his career with Toshiba Brave Lupus, with whom he won the Top League four times.
He made his international debut against Korea in 2004 and has been a regular in the Japanese side ever since.
"Iron Man", Hitoshi Ono announced his retirement from the game today 👑
— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) May 18, 2020
Crowned with 98 caps, he has the highest amount of caps in Japanese rugby history🎖️
Thank you for all your hard work, Hitoshi! 💯 💪#Legend #ForeverOneTeam pic.twitter.com/vcPzBMGMgJ