The foundation of rugby teams at Daisan High School and Doshisha University during the end of the Meiji Era activated the wave of exchange between Keio University, YC&AC, and Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club (KR&AC) including Daisan High School and Doshisha University in the Taisho Era. On 5 February 1916, Doshisha finally won their maiden victory as a Japanese team over KR&AC, 14-0, on their ninth attempt. On 1 June 1917, Daisan High School went the east to meet Keio, which was unbeatable in Japan at that time, ending in a tie 3-3, showing their increasing skills and tactics.
Later years were regarded as a rush to found various rugby teams. Kyoto Daiichi Commercial High School in 1915, Waseda University in 1918, another rugby team called Kansai Rugby Club in 1919, All Japan Rugby Association (AJRA, a club team established mainly with Keio graduates) in 1920, Tokyo Imperial University (present University of Tokyo) and Kyoto Imperial University (present Kyoto University) in 1921, Meiji University and Tokyo College of Commerce (present Hitotsubashi University) in 1922, and Rikkyo University, Daiichi High School, and Tokyo Higher Normal School (reorganized as Tokyo University of Education by the educational reform, present University of Tsukuba) in 1923.
The first rugby tournament for the graduates of east-west universities was held in Mitatsunamachi on 7 November 1920. In 1922, the regular match between the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University was held, including the first Waseda-Keio rivalry held on 23 November. Despite untold damage caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake on 1 September 1921, the first Waseda-Meiji rugby match was held on 24 December 1923.
These developments led to establishment of the Kanto Rugby Football Union in June 1924, while Jingu Gaien Stadium was completed in the autumn the same year. In September 1925, the West Rugby Football Association (present Kansai Rugby Football Union) was established. Around this time, signs of overseas tours started to appear, as Keio went to Shanghai, China, as the first Japanese rugby team to have international matches. In the fifth Waseda-Keio rivalry held on 23 November the same year, Waseda rallied to an 8-8 draw with Keio that struggled with fierce offense of Waseda.
The establishment of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) on 30 November 1926 completed the preparation for the progressive stage of Japanese rugby in the Showa Era.
Later years were regarded as a rush to found various rugby teams. Kyoto Daiichi Commercial High School in 1915, Waseda University in 1918, another rugby team called Kansai Rugby Club in 1919, All Japan Rugby Association (AJRA, a club team established mainly with Keio graduates) in 1920, Tokyo Imperial University (present University of Tokyo) and Kyoto Imperial University (present Kyoto University) in 1921, Meiji University and Tokyo College of Commerce (present Hitotsubashi University) in 1922, and Rikkyo University, Daiichi High School, and Tokyo Higher Normal School (reorganized as Tokyo University of Education by the educational reform, present University of Tsukuba) in 1923.
The first rugby tournament for the graduates of east-west universities was held in Mitatsunamachi on 7 November 1920. In 1922, the regular match between the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University was held, including the first Waseda-Keio rivalry held on 23 November. Despite untold damage caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake on 1 September 1921, the first Waseda-Meiji rugby match was held on 24 December 1923.
These developments led to establishment of the Kanto Rugby Football Union in June 1924, while Jingu Gaien Stadium was completed in the autumn the same year. In September 1925, the West Rugby Football Association (present Kansai Rugby Football Union) was established. Around this time, signs of overseas tours started to appear, as Keio went to Shanghai, China, as the first Japanese rugby team to have international matches. In the fifth Waseda-Keio rivalry held on 23 November the same year, Waseda rallied to an 8-8 draw with Keio that struggled with fierce offense of Waseda.
The establishment of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) on 30 November 1926 completed the preparation for the progressive stage of Japanese rugby in the Showa Era.