Our 2024 Sports Award recipient.

Raised in the proud rugby traditions of St Bede’s College and New Zealand, Michael's journey from the fields of Canterbury to the global stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Michael Leitch is a name that resonates far beyond the borders of New Zealand. With a career that has spanned continents, he has become an international rugby icon, renowned for his leadership, tenacity, and unmatched skill on the field. But it is his heart and character off the field that truly set him apart.

From his early days at St Bede’s to captaining Japan's national rugby team, Michael has been a trailblazer in every sense of the word. His decision to represent Japan, the country of his heritage, was a testament to his deep sense of loyalty and respect for his roots. Under his captaincy, Japan achieved unprecedented success, famously defeating South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in what has been hailed as one of the greatest upsets in rugby history. This victory, known as the “Miracle of Brighton,” is a moment forever etched in the annals of sport, and Michael’s leadership was pivotal to this historic achievement.

Michael’s impact extends far beyond his impressive rugby accolades. He has been an ambassador for the sport, bridging cultures and inspiring a new generation of players and fans around the world. His commitment to the game is matched only by his dedication to promoting inclusivity, sportsmanship, and the values that make rugby more than just a sport. 

St Bede’s are proud to dedicate this year’s Sports Award to Michael, as a leader, a role model, and a global ambassador for rugby. His journey from the college to the international stage is a story of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence and is sure to inspire generations to come.

Although unable to attend the Old Boys' Annual Dinner to receive his award in person, Michael sent us the following acknowledgement:

Firstly thank you to the St Bede`s Old Boys' Association for this sports award and recognition of my rugby career in Japan. It`s humbling to receive the award from my old high school so my sincere gratitude for selecting me. 

Receiving the award has made me reflect on my time at St Bede`s and my days in Christchurch growing up. 

It has been 20 years since I played in the St Bede`s HS U16 team under the guidance of Mr Freeman. 

It was back at that time that my love for rugby was born. An opportune school visit that year by Christchurch based All Blacks, who told me about their lifestyle

and their job playing rugby was the inspiration for me to set myself the goal of becoming a professional rugby player. At the end of that season I was given the opportunity by St Bede`s through Mark Ealey to accept a scholarship to attend school and play rugby for Yamanote HS in Sapporo, Japan. Little did I know at that time how dramatically that decision would change my life both in rugby and in life. The opportunity led on to me graduating university at Tokai University and then going on to play for Toshiba and then my adopted country Japan. 

I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of a great era in Japanese rugby which has seen us beat some of the best teams in the world. I`m very proud of what the Japan team has achieved and I hope with continued determination and ambition we can continue to challenge and beat the superpowers of world rugby.  

I believe this award recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for young men in sport. There is latent talent in so many young people in the world and given the right opportunity in a good environment that talent can grow and prosper and succeed. I am a product of such an opportunity. I will always think of my time at St Bede`s as the first stepping stone of my rugby career - so again thank you for the award and my deep appreciation to the school for all you continue to do for the next generation of rugby players and athletes.

Congratulations Michael on your incredible career!