Koo Ji-won (具智元, Gu Chigan, born 20 July 1994) is a Korean-Japanese professional rugby union player who plays as a prop for Japan Rugby League One club Kobelco Kobe Steelers. Born in South Korea, he represents Japan at international level after qualifying on residency grounds.[1][2][3][4]

Koo Ji-won
Date of birth (1994-07-20) 20 July 1994 (age 30)
Place of birthSeoul, South Korea
Height1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight122 kg (269 lb; 19 st 3 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Current team Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017–2019 Sunwolves 13 (0)
2018–2021 Mie Honda Heat 14 (10)
2022– Kobelco Kobe Steelers 10 (0)
Correct as of 28 August 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014 Japan U20 4 (0)
2017– Japan 25 (0)
2023 Japan XV 2 (0)
Correct as of 28 August 2023

He also changed nationality to Japan after the 2019 World Cup

International career

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After only two Super Rugby appearances for the Sunwolves, which included one start, Koo received his first call-up to his adopted country, Japan's senior squad ahead of the 2017 end-of-year rugby union internationals.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Ji-won Koo ESPN Scrum Player Profile". ESPN. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Koo Jiwon". www.ultimaterugby.com. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Koo Ji-won itsrugby Profile". itsrugby. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Koo Ji-Won". Japan Rugby Club. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Tighthead prop Koo Ji-won set to earn first cap for Japan against Tonga". The Japan Times Online. 17 November 2017. ISSN 0447-5763. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
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