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 Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jul 5, 2017
Moriyasu can leave Sanfrecce with head held high
It was probably in the best interests of everyone at Sanfrecce Hiroshima that Hajime Moriyasu stood down as manager on Tuesday, but that should not obscure the debt of gratitude that the three-time J. League champions owe him.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 1, 2017
Reds' Sekine sinks Sanfrecce in injury time to cap J. League thriller
Takahiro Sekine scored an injury-time wonder goal as Urawa Reds beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-3 in a wild J. League encounter on Saturday night.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 24, 2017
Ireland routs Japan for sweep
Ireland beat Japan 35-13 on Saturday to sweep their two-game series despite a rousing second-half performance by the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 21, 2017
Ireland looking to break World Cup hoodoo
The Ireland rugby team believes it deserves to be considered among the favorites to lift the 2019 World Cup in Japan and has little time for suggestions that the six-time quarterfinalist is jinxed in the competition.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 17, 2017
Fans travel far, wide to show support for Ireland rugby squad
Ireland rugby fans attending their country's test match against Japan in Shizuoka on Saturday were confident that supporters around the Asia-Pacific region will help make the 2019 World Cup an international festival.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 17, 2017
Ireland hammers Japan in test
Ireland handed Japan a harsh lesson with a 50-22 victory in the first of two test matches between the 2019 Rugby World Cup group rivals on Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2017
Imprisoned Japanese Red Army founder Shigenobu holds out hope for revolution
The imprisoned founder of the Japanese Red Army admits her efforts to bring revolution to Japan in the 1970s and '80s ended in failure but she remains optimistic that public protest can check government moves to alter the pacifist Constitution.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 8, 2017
Halilhodzic demands fast start in qualifier after first-half no-show against Syria
Japan manager Vahid Halilhodzic has warned his players that they are in for a rude surprise if they tackle next week's World Cup qualifier against Iraq with the same laissez-faire attitude with which they began Wednesday's 1-1 friendly draw with Syria.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 7, 2017
Japan warms up for World Cup qualifier with draw against Syria
Japan limbered up for next week's World Cup qualifier against Iraq with a 1-1 draw with Syria in a friendly on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
May 31, 2017
Gambler Halilhodzic hoping chips keep falling his way
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic's willingness to take risks has worked out well in recent months, and Japan will be hoping that his instincts continue to pay off in its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
Japan Times
PARALYMPICS
May 28, 2017
Wheelchair rugby ready to crash Tokyo 2020 party
Japan's No. 7 catches the ball but before he has time to react, a hulking, tattooed Australian is bearing down on him.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 27, 2017
Cheetahs blow out Sunwolves
The Sunwolves failed to pick up their second win of the Super Rugby season on Saturday after a 47-7 defeat to South Africa's Cheetahs.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 26, 2017
McCaw hopes to inspire kids with charity work in Japan
All Blacks legend Richie McCaw kicked off a four-day charity tour of Japan on Friday and vowed to bring a smile to the faces of children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 24, 2017
Latest leaders Gamba trying to hold position
Top spot in the J. League has changed hands with every weekend so far this May, but Gamba Osaka will be hoping to make their lead stick after taking over in first place last Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
May 19, 2017
Kanagawa woman finds success in crowdfunding matchmaking quest
A Kanagawa woman who started a crowdfunding project last year to bankroll her search for a husband is on course to reap the ultimate dividend.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 17, 2017
Sunwolves stay positive despite steep learning curve
The Sunwolves may have won only one game out of 10 so far this season, but Japan's Super Rugby team is confident that its efforts will pay off somewhere down the line.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 11, 2017
All Blacks open to scheduling match in Japan to get ready for Rugby World Cup
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen hinted Wednesday that the All Blacks could play a match in Japan before they defend their title here at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 11, 2017
England boss Jones embraces challenge of tough Pool C
England coach Eddie Jones laughed off suggestions that his team has been drawn in a 2019 Rugby World Cup "Group of Death" after being paired with France and Argentina in Pool C on Wednesday.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 10, 2017
Japan drawn with Ireland, Scotland for 2019 Rugby World Cup
Host nation Japan was drawn to face Ireland, Scotland and two teams yet to qualify in the group stage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup at a lavish ceremony at Kyoto State Guest House on Wednesday.
Japan Times
Rugby
May 10, 2017
Japan coach Joseph ready to hit ground running in preparation for 2019 Rugby World Cup
Japan rugby head coach Jamie Joseph is keen to get a first-hand look at his 2019 Rugby World Cup rivals when the Brave Blossoms play Ireland in two test matches in June.

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