TAKU HIRAI

Originally from Mie, Japan, Taku Hirai arrived in Lincoln in the early 90’s as an exchange student, originally for only a few months.  This later changed as one day, he saw the UNL squad practicing in the Cook Pavilion and wanted to bring his many years of playing in Jr. high and high school to the collegiate level.  Eric “Rosie” Rosenbaum took him under his wing and began showing him the finer Lincoln establishments, and even invited Taku to his parent’s farm to ride a horse for the first time!  It would eventually lead to a four-year stay in Lincoln.

Despite his good looks (which he later parlayed into an international modeling career), Taku’s massive quads and overall fitness made him a formidable foe whether at the center or flanker positions. He was aptly nicknamed “Typhoon” for his style of play and became a Western Collegiate All-Star.  After UNL, he played for the Marin Club in San Francisco and the All-Japan Rugby Club in New York. 

His favorite tournaments were played in Houston for the Western Championships as well as Jackalope.  He recalls playing “Grinder’s team” during the South Dakota State Tournament and beating them as well.

He lives in New York and is married to his wife Renee.  They have a 10-year old daughter Lanna and is a professional fisherman and fishing guide.  He will be in Lincoln in 20 days and is excited to see his former teammates.