Red Hurricanes vs. Blue Sharks
Experience professional rugby in Osaka as the Red Hurricanes return to Nagai for the 2026–27 League One season, bringing hard-hitting action and winter sports excitement to the city.
Professional rugby returns to Nagai on Saturday, December 19, 2026, as the Red Hurricanes Osaka welcome the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks to Yanmar Stadium Nagai. The 14:30 kickoff marks the Hurricanes’ first home game of the 2026–27 Japan Rugby League One Division 2 season, bringing the speed, physicality and drama of professional rugby back to Osaka.
The Blue Sharks are familiar opponents. When the teams met in April 2026, the Hurricanes edged a thrilling 36–33 victory, one of several closely contested matches in an uneven 2025–26 campaign. Now Osaka begins a new season looking to turn those flashes of attacking promise into more consistent results. With home fixtures stretching into spring 2027, supporters will have plenty of opportunities to follow the team’s progress.
The Red Hurricanes carry a rugby identity shaped by their roots as NTT Docomo’s company team and their evolution into a professional club representing Osaka. Competing in League One’s second division, they face opponents from across Japan in a demanding competition where promotion ambitions, regional pride and the development of Japanese rugby intersect. Their story reflects the wider transformation of a sport that has grown considerably in visibility since Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
For newcomers, rugby offers a different kind of sporting spectacle. Fifteen players per side combine powerful forward play with fast-moving attacks, while tries, conversions and tactical kicking can change a match’s momentum in minutes. Unlike sports with frequent stoppages, rugby often unfolds in extended passages of continuous action, with players battling for territory and possession across the field.
The setting adds another dimension. The Red Hurricanes play their Osaka home games at Yanmar Stadium Nagai and Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium, two neighboring venues within Nagai Park, one of the city’s major sporting and recreational spaces. The larger Yanmar Stadium Nagai offers a sweeping view of the action, while the smaller Hanasaka Stadium brings spectators closer to the contest. Both are easily accessible from central Osaka, making a rugby afternoon a convenient addition to a day exploring the city.
For visitors accustomed to Osaka’s baseball and football traditions, a Red Hurricanes match offers another side of the city’s sporting culture. Whether you’re a longtime rugby supporter or discovering the game for the first time, an afternoon at Nagai is an opportunity to experience professional Japanese rugby up close — and follow an Osaka club as it writes the next chapter of its story.
Osaka’s Rugby Warriors – Professional League One action with hometown pride
Power and Speed – Explosive tackles, fast attacks and thrilling tries
Winter Sports Action – Home matches from December through spring
Rugby at Nagai – Big-stadium action in Osaka’s sporting heartland
A Different Osaka Experience – Discover Japan’s passionate professional rugby culture
Photos: Official Red Hurricanes Osaka Website
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Contact
Opening Hours
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
The Red Hurricanes Osaka play their 2026–27 home matches at two stadiums within Nagai Park. Both are easily accessible from central Osaka using the same railway stations.
YANMAR STADIUM NAGAI
Venue: Yanmar Stadium Nagai
Address: 1-1 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0034
TRAINS
- JR Hanwa Line → Tsurugaoka Station (East Exit) → 6-minute walk
- JR Hanwa Line → Nagai Station (East Exit) → 7-minute walk
SUBWAYS
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station (Exit 1) → 6-minute walk
Walking Directions
From Tsurugaoka Station, head southeast toward Nagai Park and follow the signs for Yanmar Stadium Nagai. From Nagai Station, enter the park and follow the signs toward the main stadium.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
From Namba: Approximately 25–30 minutes via Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Nagai Station, including the walk.
From Osaka/Umeda: Approximately 35–40 minutes via Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Nagai Station, including the walk.
YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM
Venue: YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM
Address: 1-1 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0034
TRAINS
- JR Hanwa Line → Tsurugaoka Station (East Exit) → 5-minute walk
- JR Hanwa Line → Nagai Station (East Exit) → 8-minute walk
SUBWAYS
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station (Exit 1) → 7-minute walk
Walking Directions
From Tsurugaoka Station, walk east toward Nagai Park and follow the signs for YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM. From Osaka Metro Nagai Station, enter the park and continue toward the football stadium.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
From Namba: Approximately 25–30 minutes via Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Nagai Station, including the walk.
From Osaka/Umeda: Approximately 35–40 minutes via Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Nagai Station, including the walk.
SCHEDULE
2026–27 JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE — DIVISION 2
RED HURRICANES OSAKA HOME GAMES
DECEMBER 2026
Saturday, December 19, 2026
vs. Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks
Yanmar Stadium Nagai — 14:30 (provisional)
JANUARY 2027
Saturday, January 23, 2027
vs. Kawagoe Sayama Secom Rugguts
YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM — Kickoff TBA
FEBRUARY 2027
Sunday, February 14, 2027
vs. JR East Green Warriors Tokatsu
YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM — Kickoff TBA
MARCH 2027
Saturday, March 13, 2027
vs. Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi
Yanmar Stadium Nagai — Kickoff TBA
Friday, March 26, 2027
vs. Kyuden Voltex
Yanmar Stadium Nagai — Kickoff TBA
APRIL 2027
April 23–25, 2027 — Exact date TBA
vs. Hanazono Kintetsu Liners — Osaka Derby
Venue and kickoff TBA
MAY 2027
May 7–9, 2027 — Exact date TBA
vs. Mazda Skyactivs Hiroshima
Venue and kickoff TBA
Schedule Notes
Seven Red Hurricanes home fixtures are listed for the 2026–27 regular season. The final two match dates, venues and kickoff times have not yet been announced.
The December 12, 2026 Osaka Derby at Hanazono Rugby Stadium is an away game for the Red Hurricanes and is therefore excluded from the home schedule.
Official schedule:
Japan Rugby League One — Division 2 Schedule
TICKETS
Ticket Prices
Red Hurricanes Osaka home games offer several seating categories, with prices varying by venue, match and seat location.
For reference, tickets for selected 2025–26 home matches ranged from approximately ¥300 for discounted student admission to ¥5,500 for premium seating. Adult general admission was available from ¥1,000 in advance for certain matches.
The complete 2026–27 ticket prices will be updated when officially announced.
How to Buy
Tickets are sold through the club’s official ticketing channels. Check the Red Hurricanes Osaka website for match-specific sales dates, seating categories, prices and purchasing instructions.
Official Website:
https://docomo-rugby.jp/
Children & Family Admission
Discounted admission may be available for children and students. Preschool children may qualify for free admission when seated on a guardian’s lap, depending on the match’s ticket conditions.
Matchday Tickets
Same-day ticket sales depend on availability. Advance purchase is recommended, particularly for popular fixtures and Osaka Derby matches.
Osaka Derby Tickets
Ticket arrangements depend on which team is hosting. The December 12, 2026 derby at Hanazono Rugby Stadium is hosted by Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, while the return fixture is scheduled as a Red Hurricanes home game.
Check the respective home club’s ticket information before purchasing.
THE EXPERIENCE
A Red Hurricanes Osaka home game offers more than 80 minutes of professional rugby. From the physical battles on the pitch to the atmosphere of a Japanese League One matchday, it’s an opportunity to experience a different side of Osaka’s sporting culture.
- Fifteen-a-Side Rugby — Watch the traditional rugby union format, with powerful forwards, quick-moving backs and tactical kicking all playing a role in the contest.
- The Battle for Territory — Scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls create a fascinating contest for possession, while sudden breaks can turn defensive pressure into scoring opportunities.
- Tries, Conversions and Momentum Swings — A try earns five points, with two more available from the conversion. Penalty goals and drop goals add another tactical dimension.
- The Osaka Derby — Matches against Hanazono Kintetsu Liners bring together two Osaka-based professional clubs, adding a local rivalry to the League One calendar.
- Two Nagai Park Stadiums — Home fixtures are scheduled at Yanmar Stadium Nagai and Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium, giving spectators different settings within Osaka’s major sporting park.
- A Club with Corporate Rugby Roots — Originally established within NTT Docomo, the Red Hurricanes carry forward a tradition of Japanese company rugby while competing as a professional club representing Osaka.
Whether you’re following the Red Hurricanes throughout the season or attending your first rugby match, the combination of athleticism, teamwork and live competition makes for an engaging afternoon. With matches running from winter into spring, rugby also offers Osaka sports fans something to enjoy beyond the city’s traditional baseball season.
INFO & TIPS
Arriving at the Stadium
Plan to arrive approximately 30–45 minutes before kickoff to allow time for entry, finding your seats and getting settled. Stadium gates and any pre-match activities vary by fixture, so check the club’s matchday information.
Winter Weather
The rugby season runs through some of Osaka’s coldest months. Both Nagai Park stadiums are outdoor venues, and spectators may be exposed to wind and low temperatures. Warm clothing, gloves and an extra layer are recommended for December through February matches.
Food & Drinks
Food stalls, concessions and other refreshments may be available depending on the match. The club publishes matchday information covering facilities and services, so check ahead if you plan to eat at the stadium.
First-Time Rugby Fans
A rugby union match consists of two 40-minute halves, separated by halftime. Unlike American football, play can continue through extended phases of possession. The referee may add time for stoppages, so allow approximately two hours for the match itself.
Choosing the Correct Stadium
Red Hurricanes home fixtures may take place at either Yanmar Stadium Nagai or Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium. Both are within Nagai Park and use the same nearby railway stations, but they have different entrances and seating arrangements. Check the venue on your ticket before arriving.
Osaka Derby Matches
The Red Hurricanes and Hanazono Kintetsu Liners meet during the League One season. The home team determines the venue and ticketing arrangements, so confirm which club is hosting before purchasing tickets or planning your journey.
Accessibility
Accessibility arrangements, including wheelchair seating and accessible entrances, depend on the stadium and match configuration. Visitors requiring assistance should check the relevant venue information and contact the club before purchasing tickets.
Official Contact Info
NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Osaka
Official Website: https://docomo-rugby.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhurricanes_official/
Japan Rugby League One
Official Website: https://league-one.jp/