Japanese International Kie Tamai joins Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women are delighted to announce the signing of Japanese International Kie Tamai.

The Sakura Fifteen international is incredibly versatile, capable of playing in both the second-row and the back-row of the scrum.

She was first capped back in 2019, and has gone on to play 14 times for Japan, including being named in the squad and playing at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year.

Kie currently plays her rugby at the Mie Pearls, based in Yokkaichi in the Mie region of Japan. She has been at the club ever since their inception in 2016. During that time they have won the the National Japanese Women’s 15s title in 2020, won the National 7s title in 2022 and they were also crowned champions of the Japan 7s on four occasions.

When discussing her move to West-London, Kie said: “I’m really excited to moving across the UK and joining a new team like Trailfinders.

“I can’t wait to experience a different culture both on and off the field, as I look to learn the English game and bring it into my own rugby, while also bringing some of my energy from Sakura to my new team mates!”

On the signing, Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Kie into the Trailfinders family. She brings with her a wealth of experience and an infectious energy.

“We are also very excited to connect with the Japanese rugby public who will no doubt keep an eye on Kie’s progress as our season unfolds.”

The signing of Kie is our fourth international so far who will be joining Trailfinders Women this September, along with Abby Dow, Liz Crake and Rowena Burnfield.