Two New Zealand stalwarts of the rugby scene in Japan saw their hopes of finishing on a high disappear on Sunday as Yamaha bowed out to NEC in the quarterfinals of the 55th Company Clubs Rugby Football Championship. To make matters worse their side didn't even lose but failed to reach the last four by virtue of scoring two tries to NEC's three in their 24-24 draw at Chichibunomiya Stadium.
Despite winning the Kansai league for the first time in its history, Yamaha has decided to take on a new set of coaches for the launch of the new Top League. Head coach Kevin Schuler has therefore decided to return home to New Zealand, while assistant coach Scott Pierce may follow if he is not picked up by a team in Japan.
"It's a hard way to finish my stint here," Pierce said after the game. "I've been here 10 years and really enjoy living here and would like to stay longer."