Press Release - Mark Egan Awarded with Commendation of Foreign Minister of Japan

On 23 July 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held the awarding ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2019, followed by a reception at Iikura Guesthouse. Mr Mark Egan, Head of Competition and Performance, World Rugby, attended the ceremony and received the award.

This year's Commendations were awarded to 206 individuals and 63 groups worldwide, including Mr Egan for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding through sports between Japan and Ireland. Those who attended the ceremony were presented with an award certificate.

While working for Kobe Steel in Japan, Mr Egan contributed as a key player to the company Rugby Club’s seven consecutive victories in the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship. He also contributed to international exchange and the promotion of bilateral relations between Japan and Ireland through rugby. He experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and offered encouragement to local people through charity matches and so on. As Head of Competition and Performance, World Rugby, Mr Egan has played an important part in the modernisation and strengthening of Japanese rugby. In addition, he made great efforts to recommend Japan to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the Rugby Sevens at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

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Information & Culture Section, Embassy of Japan in Ireland
Tel: 01 - 202 8305, E-mail: culture@ir.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html