[First Time in Kitakyushu City] The Traditional Waseda-Meiji Rugby Match Kicks Off on June 7!

The "Waseda-Meiji Match," which boasts the most heated history in university rugby, will finally take place in Kitakyushu. Waseda University, with 16 national university rugby championship titles, and Meiji University, with 14 titles – a "fated rivalry" between these two schools that continue to lead Japanese university rugby – has been decided to be held as a match in the Kanto University Spring Exchange Tournament. Please come and experience the fierce battle where the weight of tradition and pride collide, leaving no room to back down.

In Kitakyushu City, the same fixture was scheduled to be held in 2020 but was cancelled just before due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. This time, it is an eagerly awaited match by many fans as a revenge event.

Event Overview

・Tournament Name: Infomart presents Rugby Waseda-Meiji Match 2026 Kitakyushu Tournament

・Date and Time: Sunday, June 7, Reiwa 8 (2026), 13:00 Kick-off

・Venue: Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu (3-9-33 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City)

・Organizer: Kyushu Rugby Football Union

・Co-organizers: Kitakyushu City, Rugby Waseda-Meiji Match Kitakyushu Tournament Executive Committee

・Tickets: All seats block designated (on sale) Ticket Pia, Ticket Rugby

Kick-off Event

To promote this tournament to citizens and build momentum, a "Jersey Dressing Ceremony" will be held, where jerseys of both Waseda University and Meiji University rugby clubs will be dressed onto the Kokura Gion Drum statue.

・Date and Time: Thursday, May 7, Reiwa 8 (2026), from 16:45

・Venue: Kokura Station South Exit Pedestrian Deck, in front of the Kokura Gion Drum statue

・Schedule for the Day:

16:45 Opening, drum performance by volunteers of Kokura Gion Drum

16:56 Greetings from the Chairman of the Rugby Waseda-Meiji Match Kitakyushu Tournament Executive Committee

16:58 Greetings from the Director of the Urban Brand Creation Bureau of Kitakyushu City

17:00 Jersey dressing onto the Gion Drum statue

17:10 Exchange of cheers by alumni of both universities (planned)

17:15 Tournament promotion by executive committee members, closing

◇ Inquiries regarding "Jersey Dressing Ceremony"

Kyushu Rugby Football Union, General Affairs Committee Chairman, Oda (090-5392-0400)

For details, please refer to the "Kyushu Rugby Football Union's release material."