In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Rhodes Lea and Aimee-Leigh Campbell, two coaches at the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix, a leading women’s rugby team in Japan. Rhodes, a strength and conditioning coach from Australia, and Aimee-Leigh, a physiotherapist from South Africa, are both in their first full year with the club. The two shared insights on their experiences with the 2025 Championship-winning team, their preparations for the upcoming 7s season, and their unique perspectives on working in a different cultural environment.
Rhodes Lea and Aimee-Leigh Campbell: Their Roles and Experiences with Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix
Aimee-Leigh Campbell’s path to the Phoenix started in Cape Town, South Africa, where she earned her postgraduate qualifications in sports and women’s health. She explained that rugby is one of the biggest sports in her country, so she’s always been involved with it and other sports. Her passion for sports physiotherapy led her to Tokyo, where she joined the Phoenix in 2024. Aimee-Leigh’s role focuses on sports-specific rehabilitation and injury prevention for the team’s athletes.
When asked about her decision to move to Japan, Aimee-Leigh mentioned that she was introduced to this opportunity in early 2024 and thought it would be an excellent experience. She wanted to see what she could learn there, especially if she ever decides to return to South Africa.
Rhodes Lea’s journey was quite different. An Australian from Canberra, Rhodes always had an interest in sport but didn’t make it as a professional athlete. He had the typical S&C pathway of a failed athlete. Despite this, he pursued his passion for sports, studying Sport and Exercise Science at university. After working with clubs like the Vikings Rugby and the Brumbies Rugby Academy, Rhodes found an opportunity with the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix. He mentioned that he was lucky to get this role and the chance to move overseas.
Impact of Japanese Rugby and the Phoenix on Their Careers
Both Rhodes and Aimee-Leigh were somewhat unfamiliar with Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix before joining the club. Aimee-Leigh admitted that she didn’t know about the Phoenix specifically, but Japanese rugby is always exciting. The sport keeps improving year after year, both in the men’s and women’s games. When she looked into the club, she thought it would be a perfect opportunity. She was thrilled by their commitment to growing the women’s game, which she finds incredibly motivating.
Aimee-Leigh’s role as the head of the medical team is essential to the team’s success. She is responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation programs and ensuring the players’ physical health is a priority. She also helps educate the athletes on how to maintain their well-being beyond the team’s structured sessions. She explained that she can’t be with them every day, but she aims to teach them how to take care of themselves.
Rhodes also noted the growing recognition of women’s rugby in Japan. He said it’s exciting to see how much support the Phoenix gives to the women’s game. The club really makes it a priority, which is not always the case globally.
Preparing for the 7s Season and Lessons Learned
As the Phoenix gears up for the 7s season, Rhodes and Aimee-Leigh are focused on ensuring the team stays in top physical shape. Their experiences with the team have also provided valuable lessons about working in an international environment.
Aimee-Leigh found the cultural shift to Japan to be both challenging and rewarding. She reflected that working in Japan has been an eye-opener. The structure and discipline in Japanese rugby are top-notch, and it’s been incredible to learn how the culture shapes the sport.
Rhodes agreed, emphasizing the importance of adapting to a new working environment. He mentioned that the biggest challenge has been understanding how different the working culture is in Japan, but it’s been an exciting experience. He feels that adapting and growing is what makes this journey so valuable.