New Head Coach of Women’s National Team “Sakura Japan”

Japan Hockey Association

To whom it may concern,

Please allow us to begin by extending our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of the business operations of Japan Hockey Association.

This time, Hirofumi Nakasone, who is president of Japan Hockey Association announced that Xavi Arnau is appointed to new head coach of Sakura Japan (women’s national team) as successor of Anthony Farry who retired last October.

New head coach, Xavi Arnau is a leader based at Belgium that has been one of the strongest hockey country in the world, is familiar with European hockey and has a large network of connection. In addition, he made a great record as a hockey player, that are 207 Caps, 127 goals, 3 times Olympics and World Cups participation, including Barcelona(host) in Olympics, a silver medal in World Cup. We believe that his knowledge and experience will strengthen women’s national team greatly.

From January 6, 2021, the selection of women’s national team is schedule to be held at Kawsaki Heavey Industries Stadium in Kakamigahara city in Gifu Prefecture. After that, we strength the team through domestic camps, towards 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Brief History of Xavi Arnau

Name	Javier Arnau Creus (Known as Xavi Arnau)
Birthday	March 20, 1973
Nationality	Spain
Coaching History	2000　Assistant Coach of Spain National Team 2003　Assistant Coach of Spain National Team (2nd in European Cup) 2009-2013 High Performance Coach of Spain National Team (Senior & U21) 2013　Head Coach of Spain U21 National Team (Junior WC Participation) , Head Coach of Spain National Indoor Team 2004-2014　Head Coach in several club teams 2014-2020　Head Coach in several Belgium club teams ベルギ Present　Head Coach of Royal Racing Bruxelles Hockey Club and Royal Evere White Star Hockey Club
Playing History	・207 Caps and 127 goals as member of Spain National Team ・3 times Olympics participation (1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta (silver medal), 2000 Sydney) ・3 times World Cups participation (1994 Sydney, 1998 Utrecht (Silver medal), 2002 Kuala Lumpur) ・European Best Player in 1996

<Comment from Xavi Arnau>

I’d appreciate everyone who places great expectation on me as head coach of women’s national team “Sakura Japan”.
I am going to try best and make effort to bring good results for them in Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. Tokyo 2020 Olympic games are great chance to make a good record because of home games.
I can’t wait to join excellent Sakura Japan team to achieve great success.

For any other queries or coverage, please contact the undersigned directly.