Summary:

Forced to abandon his playing career due to injury, former rugby ace Natsusa Yuzuki pivots to become the manager for his Doshisha University rugby team, determined to lead them to league victory from the sidelines.

Review:

While 'Number 24' features rugby, it shines brightest as a character-driven drama. It uniquely explores the emotional challenges of an athlete sidelined by injury and finding a new way to contribute. The focus on team dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and Natsusa's sharp, sometimes difficult personality makes it more compelling than just a standard sports anime. It's less about the tackles and tries, more about the heart and strategy behind the team.

Audience Recommendation:

Recommended for viewers who enjoy character-focused sports anime, stories about overcoming adversity, ensemble casts with complex relationships, and slice-of-life dramas set in a university environment. Fans looking purely for intense rugby match action might find it slower-paced.

Themes:

Focuses on themes of overcoming adversity, redefining one's purpose after loss, the importance of teamwork and support roles, friendship, and leadership from an unconventional position.

Fun Facts:

• Number 24 is an original anime series, not adapted from a pre-existing manga or light novel.

• The title refers to the 24th member of a rugby union team roster, often representing support staff or reserves, reflecting the protagonist's role as manager.

• The series is set at Doshisha University, a real university in Kyoto known for having a strong rugby club.