Takeshi Kizu — whose bloodstained visage and passionate encouragement of his teammates in the final moments of Japan’s massive upset of South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup was one of that game's defining images — announced his retirement on social media last week.
The Sunwolves hooker may have been one of the more recognizable players of the Brave Blossoms' golden generation, but not many are aware that his formative sporting years were actually spent in sumo.
As a child, Kizu was coached by Kimiyasu Chiba — a former makushita-ranked rikishi — in an environment which replicated the legendary intensity and harshness found at the latter man’s Futagoyama stable.