Japan and Saitama Wild Knights hooker Shota Horie said Wednesday the 2023-24 League One rugby season will be his last before he retires.

"I've had a good career," the 37-year-old, who has played in the past four Rugby World Cups, told a press conference in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kumagaya, home to the Wild Knights. "I was able to come this far with the support of various people."

Horie, who hails from Osaka Prefecture, has represented Japan 76 times. He contributed to Japan's historic upset of South Africa at the 2015 World Cup and four years later helped the Brave Blossoms reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup for the first time.

The League One season kicks off Saturday.

Japan and Saitama Wild Knights rugby player Shota Horie speaks at a press conference in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, on Dec. 6, 2023. (Kyodo)

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