Azhar Goes to Japan

Support My Japan Tour Prize Contest!

To make this once-in-a-lifetime Rugby Coaches Cultural Exchange tour to Japan a reality, I am hosting an exciting prize contest! Every ticket purchased directly contributes to my journey, helping me to bring back invaluable knowledge and experience to benefit the next generation of female rugby players in Cape Town.

Prizes Include:

• Signed ADIDAS Cap by the one and only former Liverpool FC coach Jürgen Klopp
• Honor Gift Hamper (Phone stand, bluetooth speaker, Honor water bottle, Powerbank)
• Adidas Hamper (ADIDAS X IVY PARK Rare Backpack, ADIDAS Towel, ADIDAS T-Shirt, ADIDAS Beanie, ADIDAS Perfume)
• Large Wonderbag
• Coffee Hamper

How to Enter:

1. Order a ticket/s
2. On the ticket holder section add in all necessary contact details and choose which prize you would like to enter for
3. On the buyer info page, choose any number between 1-1000
4. After the payment your ticket/s will emailed/sms to you
5. You will be communicated via email when the draw takes place and if you are a lucky winner!

My name is Azhar Phillips, and rugby has been a defining part of my life since I started playing touch rugby in 2014 at age 11. I spent nearly a decade representing Western Province, even captaining my team for three years.

My journey has seen me co-found False Bay Women's Rugby's first junior side and get selected for the South African Touch Boks for the Youth Atlantic World Cup in 2021—an opportunity I sadly missed due to funding. This led me to contact rugby, where I joined the senior women's team and, in 2022, played for the Western Province U20A DHL team, winning our tournament.

Despite setbacks like a dislocated shoulder and a fractured ankle in 2023, which kept me off the field, I channeled my passion into helping launch the Girl Power Rugby Academy. This experience deepened my commitment to "grow the game, inspire change, and open doors for the next generation" of girls in rugby across Cape Town's Southern Suburbs, taking on roles in coaching, media, and logistics.

I am currently raising funds through a special prize contest to make an extraordinary opportunity a reality: a 10-day Rugby Coaches Cultural Exchange tour of Japan with the Girl Power Rugby Academy. This isn't just a trip; it's a transformative experience inspired by Zukile Ncube's profound insights as an educator and athlete in Japan. The tour is meticulously designed to foster a powerful bridge between South Africa and Japan through the universal languages of education, sport, and cultural exchange.

During this immersive tour, we will engage in intensive coaching workshops at the prestigious Ryutsu Keizai University, delving into advanced rugby methodologies. We'll also gain invaluable practical experience through visits to various Japanese universities and professional rugby clubs, observing their training regimes and operational structures firsthand. Beyond the technical aspects of rugby, this tour offers a deep dive into Japanese culture. We'll have the incredible opportunity to connect with South African players currently based in Japan, building invaluable networks and sharing experiences. The itinerary includes exploring the vibrant heart of Tokyo, visiting iconic landmarks such as the serene Meiji Shrine, the trendy streets of Harajuku, and the bustling Shibuya crossing. A major highlight will be attending a live Top League match between the Canon Eagles and Blue Revs, witnessing professional Japanese rugby in action. This comprehensive experience will significantly elevate my skills as a rugby coach, as well as my capabilities in media management and logistics, all of which are crucial to my mission of empowering young girls through rugby back home.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference. Your generosity will help "grow the game, inspire change, and open doors" for countless aspiring athletes.

Thank you for being a part of my journey and helping me achieve this incredible goal.