Falcons fan flies up Fuji
A Falcons fan since childhood Newcastle-born Sean Pearson decided there was one important thing to accompany him when he decided to climb Mount Fuji earlier this month.
Sean, 17, said: “You see people climbing mountains with flags all the time and I had a Falcons flag with me over here so thought I’d take it up with me.”
Since moving to Japan two years ago with his parents Graeme and Jackie as a result of Graeme’s job with Calsonic Kansei, Sean has continued to keep up with rugby and with his team Newcastle Falcons.
His mum Jackie said: “Sean played rugby in the UK but hasn’t really been able to in Japan as it’s not really played over here. The family still follow rugby from afar though, and since he’s been here Sean has had the opportunity to watch the 7s tournament live and to see Japan beat Wales.”
Despite the lack of rugby Sean has settled well in Japan, and when some friends offered him the chance to climb 12,389 feet to the summit of Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, Sean was up for the challenge, and decided it was a perfect opportunity to fly the Falcons flag thousands of miles from home.
He explained: “Climbing was weird because as we got to the top there was a storm there. It got really cold and we had to take shelter up there, but when the sun rose it was totally different world, really beautiful.
“I took the Newcastle Falcons flag up with me but wasn’t allowed to stick it into the ground so had to bring it back down again. It made it to the top though! The climb was great, but hard work – my legs were killing me afterwards.”
Originally from Chester-le-Street, the Pearson family are scheduled to stay in Japan until next spring, although Sean is keen to return to the area after university. They return home every Christmas to see friends and family and, this winter, will be including a visit to Kingston Park in their itinerary when they watch the Falcons take on Saracens on 27th December.
Falcons Skills and Attack Coach Dave Walder, who spent two years in Japan playing for Mitsubishi Dynaboars said: “It’s great to see such a passionate fan flying the Falcons flag, literally, on the other side of the world.
“To climb to the summit of Mount Fuji is a huge accomplishment in itself and we’re looking forward to welcoming Sean to the club and both congratulating and thanking him in person when he visits in December.”
