Chiefs' star Shaun Stevenson heads to Japan for brief sabbatical

Chiefs fullback and one Test All Black Shaun Stevenson has been granted a short-term sabbatical to Japan, to link up with the Kubota Spears for part of the Japan League One season.

Stevenson will still wear the Chiefs jersey this season, only missing the first three Super Rugby Pacific games. He could play up to six games for the Kubota Spears who are sitting fifth on the Japan League One ladder.

The move comes after months of speculation about the 28-year-old’s future in New Zealand, when it was reported that Stevenson was offered a lucrative deal by the Japanese club in the last year of his NZR contract.

The Waikato Times has revealed that New Zealand Rugby opted to grant Stevenson a special short-term sabbatical. Stevenson could line up this weekend for the Kubota Spears in their matchup against TJ Perenara’s Ricoh Black Rams.

Stevenson will still be eligible for All Blacks selection this year if Scott Robertson selects him at any point.

Stevenson will then link up with the Kubota Spears from next year, leaving New Zealand and the Chiefs permanently.

Stevenson will have some familiar faces around in Japan, as North Harbour teammate Bryn Hall also plays for the Spears. Former All Blacks defence coach Scott Mcleod is also on the coaching staff of Stevenson’s new club, forming a small Kiwi contingent.

The move was questioned by the public, especially as the deal would let an All Black walk away from a NZR contract in order to earn more money overseas, rather than play Super Rugby in New Zealand.

The Waikato Times understands Stevenson will head to Japan today, but had recently travelled to Japan to link up with the Spears to train and get used to the environment, before a quick stop back in New Zealand to finalise the deal with New Zealand Rugby.