Timothy Lafaele Reflects on His Identity as a Japanese Rugby Player

Timothy Lafaele was a star for Japan at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Now he's not sure he belongs

Timothy Lafaele is among the rugby players who have made their lives and playing careers in Japan, and hold Japanese passports even though they were born outside the country. In Lafaele's case, he has played 28 times for Japan's national team, including a monumental victory over Ireland in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which Japan hosted.

By STEPHEN WADE