White welcomes new recruit from Japan into Bulls camp

In an apparent “first for South African rugby”, the Bulls have secured the services of Hitoshi Ipponsugi in the position of Head of Athletic Performance.

Ipponsugi hails from Japan where he has cultivated a well-respected reputation over the past decade.

He was educated at the University of Canberra, studying sports coaching and exercise science before gaining an internship at the Brumbies where he forged a relationship with then head coach Jake White, who has now lured Ipponsugi to further his career in Pretoria.

After his stint with the Brumbies, Ipponsugi returned to Japan where he worked with the Kobota Spears. Thereafter, he joined up with Mitsubishi Dynaboars as the head of strength and conditioning before being offered the position of head of physical performance with Toyota Verblitz.

It was at Toyota Verblitz that Ipponsugi and White teamed up for the second time in their careers, with great results.

“Ippon-san is a visionary and the top of his field in my opinion, and we are honoured to have him join our system,” White said. “

As our head of athletic performance he will lead our esteemed team of conditioners and trainers, and be responsible for the overall conditioning and performance of our players.

“The most significant part of his role will be to ensure that the conditioning of the players seamlessly compliments the style of rugby we want to play at any given time.”