Jesuit Sacramento Looks Toward Sanix Tournament in Japan
Jesuit Sacramento Looks Toward Sanix Tournament in Japan
Defending National Single-School runners-up Jesuit of Sacramento is set to make history this season by becoming the first American team to play in the Sanix Tournament in Japan at the end of April 2024.
“We were honored to be invited to play in this tournament against some of the top high school teams in the world,” said Head Coach Andrew Acosta. “We graduated over 20 seniors from our team that placed second in the high school National Invitational Tournament last year, but this talented young group is learning fast and will look to represent Jesuit High School and the USA with honor in Japan."
The Sanix Tournament is an annual tournament that takes place in Fukuoka, Japan and will celebrate its 25th year in 2024. The tournament consists of 16 teams (eight Japanese teams and eight teams from around the world). The winner in 2023 was Paul Roos Gymnasium from South Africa. The last three champions have been from three different nations: France, Fiji, and South Africa.
"We have been using our single school competition along with games against touring Canadian sides as an opportunity to try various combinations," said Acosta. "We are a work in progress, but are confident that we will take 30 players who can make an impact on the field in Japan.”
Jesuit Rugby started in 1998. They were crowned Nationals Champions in 1999 and have gone on to win eight more National titles and were runners up seven times including in 2023. Jesuit Rugby was started by former US Eagle Fred Khasigan and longtime rugby stalwart John Shorey. The program has produced multiple USA Eagles, college All Americans and has several players currently playing in Major League Rugby. Jesuit rugby alumni are also currently playing for the top college teams in the nation – including Cal, Navy, Army, Arizona, UCLA and Saint Mary’s College.
Recent results for Jesuit Rugby:
Lost to Marin 29 – 15 (NorCal Premier League)
Beat Motherlode 24-10 (NorCal Premier League)
Lost to Shawnigan Lake (Canadian Touring Team) – 33-43
Beat Elgin Park (Canadian Touring Team) 62-12
Next up – De La Salle on April 6
(Against Shawnigan Lake, Jesuit played their main Sanix lineup in the first half and led 26-12 before making changes..)