Langford to get first cap for Japan

Exeter Chiefs Women’s centre Sophie Langford will get her first cap for Japan with a start against Wales tomorrow.

The University of Exeter graduate moved to Japan in the summer to seek out playing opportunities, with the plan to return to Exeter in the New Year.

Having played for Yokohama TKM this season, the 22-year-old has now been called up to the national team.

Langford said: “I’m really honoured to be representing Japan tomorrow. Having only moved here a month ago, I was incredibly surprised to get the opportunity to come into camp. However, I took it in my stride and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. It’s the step up from international age grade rugby that I’ve been working towards for a very long time.

“I’ve always had a very close connection to Japan having grown up in Asia, visiting frequently and speaking to my mother in Japanese. This decision to choose Japan has felt like the right decision, not only for rugby but for myself as an individual. I am so, so glad I made the decision to come here and cannot wait to get out there tomorrow!”

Langford started playing rugby in Hong Kong, where she was invited to join the national performance programme at the age of 14.

In 2020, she moved to Edinburgh joining Scottish Premiership side, Heriots and debuted for Scotland U18s at the Six Nations Festival, notably scoring the competition's fastest-ever try in only 17 seconds against Italy.

Later that year, Langford then captained Scotland at the Rugby Europe 7s in Prague.

In summer 2020, she represented HK Exiles at various sevens tournaments, before heading to the Westcountry to study at the University of Exeter and linking up with Chiefs. She debuted in the club's opening game of the season, away to DMP Sharks in the Allianz Cup.

Langford has played 23 games for Chiefs and scored two tries. She has also played for England U20s.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Oli Bishop said: “Sophie Langford is a very talented athlete and took a big opportunity this year to try some rugby in Japan, which has obviously opened the avenue for Japanese XVs to take note.

“Congratulations to her for getting the start against Wales. I think she definitely show some good distribution skills and decision making in that 13 channel. I cannot wait to see what she does.”

Japan will play Wales at the Prince Chichibu memorial Stadium in Tokyo tomorrow (KO 10:30 BST). Langford will come up against new Chiefs prop Maisie Davies, who is starting at loosehead for Wales.