"I'm ready to play" - Himeno raring to take on the Lions
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Star Brave Blossoms' back-rower Kazuki Himeno is raring to take on the British and Irish Lions and has declared himself fit to take on the Four Nations having caught a flight from Auckland to Edinburgh -- via Singapore and London -- 30 minutes after playing for the Highlanders on Saturday in their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final defeat to the Blues.
"Even on such a tight schedule, if the team management trusts me, I'm ready to play," Himeno told reporters having arrived in Edinburgh ahead of Japan's first-ever game against the Lions.
"Being able to wear the Japan jersey, whatever the situation, is always a great thing." Himeno added.
Himeno was a standout for Japan in their 2019 Rugby World Cup and has been superb for the Highlanders and was named as the club's rookie of the year.
"We're preparing ourselves to win the game," said the 26-year-old.
"For me personally, I think playing in Super Rugby has been good preparation. We're all approaching the game looking to win, and we have that belief."
Himeno arrived in the Japan camp days after winger Kotaro Matsushima, who joined up with the team in Europe after playing for French side Clermont.
