Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Inc. Rugby Team to terminate its activities at the end of 2021

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. (Headquarters in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & President Calin Dragan; hereafter “CCBJI”) announced that we have decided to terminate the activities of our rugby team at the end of 2021 and the Japan Rugby Top League (Located in Minato-ku, Chairman Osamu Ota, hereinafter referred to as "JRTL") has accepted CCBJI's resignation from the JRTL and the withdrawal of its application to enter the new league (hereinafter referred to as the "New League"), which will be administered by the JRTL and scheduled to start in January 2022.

Our Coca-Cola Red Sparks rugby team has actively supported the development of rugby culture in Japan together with the local community since its establishment in 1966, and has long been active as a top team in Japan, gaining promotion to the Japan Top League organized by the Japan Rugby Football Union, in 2006.

In the midst of rapid changes in the business environment, the Company has been steadily implementing reform initiatives to set a foundation for growth over the medium to long term. We have been evaluating all aspects of our current business model and operating structure, with a principle focus on sustaining and growing our core beverage business.

As a result of this comprehensive business review, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the activities of our rugby team at the end of this year, and we regret to announce that we will not be participating in the new league.

We are committed to providing appropriate career support for our team and staff members, and we will continue to contribute to the further development of the local community and rugby culture.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have given us your support and encouragement for our rugby team over the years.

■Overview of Coca-Cola Red Sparks rugby team

Team name: Coca-Cola Red Sparks

Team Location: 7-9-66 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Home ground: SAWAYAKA Sports Plaza (1-2-2　Kashiihamafuto, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Establishment: 1966

Director and Supervisor: Mukai, Shougo

Team website: https://club.ccbji.co.jp/ja/rugby/

■Japan Rugby Football Union  New Rugby League Tournament Format Information

Website: https://www.rugby-japan.jp/newleague/information

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