Oracle to the Semis!!!

Greetings to all friends and fans who are reading this,

Rich here, a.k.a. Oracle.

I've had the privilege of meeting some of you, helping quite a few of you and being part of this page has become a daily routine and something of a 'religion' for me. I realise I really enjoy helping and so far it's included:

- booking quite a few restaurants and a couple of cruises
- organising a rugby coaching session at a Tokyo high school
- rescuing people with lost mobile phones/SIM card issues
- cultural clarifications
- translation and interpretation
- sourcing events, bars and restaurants for fans to watch games in (even persuading them to open early!)
- putting on a party for 70-80 of you in Kobe.
- rescuing 10-15 homeless people in Oita and finding them a bed for the night
etc. etc.

I love doing this and I'll remain an ultra-responsive Oracle right to the end. I can't deny that I am reluctant to do this again (a non in-your-face crowdfunding) but equally, my original plan didn't have me going to the semi and your generous help would be superbly appreciated. Josh and Ian from the group encouraged me to go for it. I received money for the transport thanks to your kind support, there is also the ticket (25,000 yen) to pay, the cost of babysitting all day and I guess the opportunity cost of doing Oracle instead of working LOL (it was *not at all easy* to persuade my wife and mentioning this initiative was the clincher). I'm only too well aware many of you have planned and saved for this trip for years so there is no pressure at all.

I would love to accept drink offers from everyone who's found my tips, messages and info helpful but perhaps instead, you could spare 1000-2000 yen per person as a gesture. I'd love to meet as many of you as possible and enjoy supporting the lads together. With a new baby at home, you can be sure that every little helps as they say.

I also feel that it's been so good to be part of the group that I hope I could do some kind of UK tour when I am back next and see people I couldn't thank and greet in person.

Thanks all. If you want to contact me or know more about who I am, I met some you in person (Tracker, Alistair, Ryan) or you're welcome to add me on FB. I try and be as genuine and helpful as I can.

Cheers!
Rich