On Thursday 16th December, Richmond Rugby welcomed Minister Takeshi Ito of the Embassy of Japan and Lady Victoria Borthwick, together with a number of local councillors and guests to the Athletic Ground for a special tree planting ceremony.

The event marked the planting of seven cherry blossom trees which have been donated by the Japanese Government’s ‘Sakura Project’. The seven trees have been planted at the top of Pitch 4, as part of the ground-breaking project which aims to plant 7,000 trees to over 200 sites in the UK.

The trees have been planted in special memory of one of Japan’s most famous rugby players and coaches, the late Seiji Hirao, who won 35 international caps, and played for Richmond during the 1985/86 season.

Richmond Rugby Limited Chairman Nick Preston said: “I had the enormous privilege of playing with Seiji at Richmond and he was an exceptionally talented player who was much loved at our club. The trees are not only a beautiful addition to our ground but also a very special tribute to Seiji and our ongoing friendship with Japanese Rugby and our partnership with Shibuya Rugby Club.

“We would like to thank the Japanese Government and the Sakura Project for donating the magnificent trees and to Reg Clark from club partner Rhino Rugby for organising this fantastic event. We are very excited to see the trees grow and blossom over the coming years.”

To learn more about the Sakura Project please click here.

Click here to read Reg Clark’s tribute to Seiji Hirao (1963-2016), featuring his remarkable rugby career and his memorable season playing for Richmond.

Click here to view the full photo gallery from Thursday’s Tree Planting Ceremony.

Images courtesy of Dante K Photography.