Former All Black Charles Piutau heading to Japan

Former All Black and Tongan international Charles Piutau is headed to Japan after announcing a deal for next season.

The Shizuoka BlueRevs officially announced the Piutau signing for the 2023/24 Japan Rugby League One season which will begin after the Rugby World Cup.

The 31-year-old has been with the Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership since 2018 where he has amassed 75 Premiership caps with the club.

The Blue Revs have former Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall and Springboks flanker Kwagga Smith on the roster, but Piutau will immediately become the biggest name on the team.

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The BlueRevs are currently eighth on the League One ladder with five wins and nine losses but upset the league leaders Panasonic with their first and only loss of the season.

Piutau has been one of the game’s highest paid players since leaving New Zealand in 2015 to take up a deal with Wasps.

After two seasons in the Premiership he moved to Irish club Ulster, before moving back to Bristol under Pat Lam.

He completed an eligibility switch in 2022 and was capped by Tonga after completing the stand down period from international rugby.

After missing out on playing at Rugby World Cups in 2015 and 2019, the 2023 would be his first event if he is available for Tonga.

The signing of Piutau will boost Shizuoka’s chances next season as a wave of international names hit the Japanese league.