Michael Leitch was born on July 10, 1988, in Burwood, Christchurch, New Zealand. His father is of European New Zealander descent, while his mother is Fijian. He grew up in New Zealand before moving to Japan at the age of 15. Leitch attended St Bede's College in Christchurch before furthering his education at Tokai University.
Leitch's time at Tokai University proved to be crucial in shaping his rugby career. He played for the university team and eventually captained the Japanese U20 Junior Team. His leadership skills and talent on the field quickly caught the attention of rugby scouts.
Leitch's professional rugby career began when he joined the Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Japanese Top League. He quickly became a key player for the team, known for his physicality and strong work ethic. His success with the Brave Lupus led to opportunities with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and eventually the Japanese national team.
In 2014, Leitch was appointed as the captain of the Japanese national team. Under his leadership, Japan achieved a historic victory against South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in rugby history. Leitch's performance on the field and his ability to inspire his teammates made him a fan favorite.
Off the field, Leitch is known for his active presence on social media. He has a strong following on Instagram with over 70,000 followers who admire his dedication to the sport and his multicultural background. In 2013, Leitch became a Japanese citizen, solidifying his connection to the country he now calls home.
Michael Leitch's impact on Japanese rugby cannot be overstated. His success both on and off the field has inspired a new generation of players in Japan and beyond. As a proud representative of both New Zealand and Japan, Leitch continues to be a role model for aspiring rugby athletes around the world.