Japanese Rugby Players Ship Used Gear to New Zealand Children

Japanese rugby players and clubs collected and shipped unused sports equipment to children in New Zealand in late May 2026 ^[3].

The initiative highlights the global reach of sports philanthropy and the influence of social media in mobilizing professional athletes to support youth accessibility to athletics.

The campaign began after a photo circulated online showing Izaya Punivai, a 25-year-old ^[2] player for Tokyo Suntory Sangoliath, washing a large number of rugby spikes. The image garnered approximately 8.7 million views ^[1].

Punivai, known by the nickname “Izzy,” organized the collection of gear to assist children who cannot afford the necessary equipment. He said the effort was inspired by his own childhood in New Zealand, where he remembered teammates who lacked shoes.

Teammates observed the scale of the effort during the club's off-days. Max Hughes said Punivai is a compassionate person and described seeing him in the bathroom with all the shoes lined up to be cleaned.

Another player said on social media that they found Punivai washing a massive amount of spikes upon visiting the clubhouse on a day off. The collaborative effort involved various players and clubs within the Japanese rugby circuit to ensure the gear was cleaned and usable before shipment.

The equipment reached its destination in New Zealand in late May 2026 ^[3]. Children receiving the gear expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much."

The project transformed a viral moment into a tangible resource for young athletes. By repurposing high-quality professional gear, the players addressed a specific financial barrier that often prevents children in rugby-centric regions from participating in the sport.