Rugby supporters in Japan have crowdfunded over 3 million yen, three times the initial goal, to provide a hospital fighting the new coronavirus with medical equipment.
Eminent players, including Japan's biggest cap holder Hitoshi Ono, are among the supporters.
The fundraising was started by Atsushi Fukao, 65, a representative director of Heroes, a nonprofit organization that promotes rugby and is chaired by former national team captain Toshiyuki Hayashi.
When Fukao sent a message of support to medical professionals at the front line of the battle against the virus, Kota Shukuzawa, a doctor at Jikei University Hospital, 39, replied saying that he and the staff "have been encouraged" by the message.
Shukuzawa is the eldest son of former head coach of the national team Hiroaki Shukuzawa, and worked as a doctor on the pitch at the Rugby World Cup in Japan last autumn.
Fukao and others learned of the current situation medical institutions are facing and decided to offer both physical and mental support.
A total of 600 sets of medical supplies, including goggles, masks and gloves will be sent to the hospital. Fukao dubbed this fund "Rugby Aid" and said, "Doctors who have helped us during our matches are having a hard time. I felt that we had to do something."
The crowdfunding drive ends May 20.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
