Episode 69

full
Published on:

10th Nov 2025

Lead Yourself First: Tabai Matson's Lessons from Rugby in Five Countries and Coaching the Ricoh Black Rams

From the Māori All Blacks to the Ricoh Black Rams in Tokyo, Tabai Matson (Tabs) has coached rugby on multiple continents—and Japan has taught him some of his most valuable lessons. 

We build on our learnings from top leaders as Tabs shares his cultural context knowledge with us that is also effective outside of locker rooms and scrums. You’ll be inspired to try your hand at your own version of the “head coach” persona whether it’s in business, sports or daily life in Japan or Aotearoa for that matter.

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Tabs’ journey from player/coach to head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo
  • Why TJ Perenara is captain this season and the fantastic example he is in the team and as a “negotiator” on the field 
  • The unique challenge for coaching staff due to Japan’s traditional rugby pathways
  • Tab’s favourite Japanese proverb, treat from the conbini on treat night and a go to karaoke song

About Tabai

Tabai Matson (Tabs) is Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo, a team competing in the Japan Rugby League One tournament. 

Born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand his rugby journey has spanned continents, from pulling on the black jersey for the All Blacks and representing Fiji at the Rugby World Cup, to playing and coaching for Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly Yamaha Motor Júbilo) here in Japan. 

He has built an extraordinary coaching career as Canterbury’s ITM Cup championship head coach, Crusaders and Chiefs assistant coach in Super Rugby, Head Coach at Bath Rugby in England, and the first non-Māori to coach the Māori All Blacks. 

His path has taken him across five nations, two Rugby World Cups, and over 300 professional games coached. 

Now based in Tokyo Tabs has come full circle - returning to Japan not only to coach but to immerse himself once again in the culture he calls “a place of strength and beauty.” 

Connect with Tabai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabai-matson-969846134/ 

Links

Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo http://blackrams-tokyo.com/ 

Blue Lock Anime: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/ 

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan 

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About the Podcast

Jandals in Japan
Bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base?
What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here?
Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan.
We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan.
They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid.
They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them.
They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet.
We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence
And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout.
Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.
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About your hosts

Jayne Nakata

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Jayne Nakata is a Southland girl who arrived in Japan in 2002, planning to stay just two years. 20 years later she is still living in Fukushima Prefecture with her Japanese husband and two children. When the triple disaster hit in 2011, Jayne made the commitment to stay in Fukushima and contribute to rebuilding the area. She is the host of the award winning podcast Transformations with Jayne, which is a favourite with international women living in Japan. She is also the double award winning podcast producer and manager for PodLaunch with Jayne.

Catherine O’Connell

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Originally from Christchurch, Catherine O’Connell has lived in Japan since 2002 and has built a distinguished 23-year career as legal counsel in leading Japanese corporations. In 2018, she launched Catherine O’Connell Law, Tokyo’s first foreign female–founded boutique law firm, now a multi-award-winning practice.
Catherine is Vice Chair Emerita of the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (2012–2025) and currently serves as an Audit & Supervisory Board Member at Fujitsu Limited (2022–). She previously served on the Audit & Supervisory Board of Toyota Motor Corporation (2023–2025).
A trusted advisor to boards and coach/mentor to C-suite executives, Catherine helps leaders excel in the complex Japanese business environment with cross-cultural clarity and strategic insight.
Alongside co-hosting the Jandals in Japan Podcast, she is also the host of the award-winning Lawyer on Air Podcast, highlighting untold stories of women in law in Japan.