1
All Blacks coach gives injury update, loose-forward ruled out of tour
7
{{item.n}}
Former No. 1 MLR Draft pick and Fiji centre among Japan club’s new signings
Comment
Share 
Former number one Major League Rugby Draft pick Will Sherman has taken up an opportunity in Japan, with the UCLA product unveiled alongside a former All Black as some of the players joining the Red Hurricanes Osaka.
Seta Tamanivalu, who is now playing international rugby for the Flying Fijians, moves to the Red Hurricanes from Japan Rugby League One heavyweights Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, who won the first division title in 2024/25.
Former Queensland Reds lock Cormac Daly has signed on after a stint with Yokohama Canon Eagles, and front-rower Wataru Furuya rounds out the quartet announced by the Osaka-based club on August 25.
VIDEO
Sherman has committed to the Red Hurricanes after making 10 appearances for Anthem Rugby Carolina as an MLR rookie. The second-rower was taken with the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft, which was held almost one year ago to the day.
As a collegiate rugby prospect, Sherman was recognised with All-American honours twice and was named the UCLA Player’s Player. The lock has been involved with age-grade programs in USA Rugby as well, taking on vice-captaincy responsibility during an U23 tour of South Africa.
Sherman started in six of 10 appearances for Anthem last season, having been shown a yellow card in the opening round of the new campaign. But the top draft choice became an important part of that squad, playing the full 80 in a round 11 clash with Old Glory DC.
“I am very pleased to be joining the Red Hurricanes Osaka. I feel honoured to be a part of such a wonderful team,” Sherman said.
“I look forward to learning and growing from my teammates, coaching staff, and everyone involved with the team. I also have high expectations for experiencing the wonderful city and culture of Osaka.
“This season, I will do my best for the team’s success and give my all for the fans and supporters.”
That 80-minute effort against Old Glory was the first time Sherman had played the entire match at MLR level. In fact, the tight five forward hadn’t played more than 67 minutes before then, reaching that tally away to the Seattle Seawolves in the eighth round.
Sherman moves to the Red Hurricanes as one of the club’s latest recruits, with Tamanivalu part of the quartet recently announced. The midfielder had been with Brave Lupus since the 2021/22 season and debuted for Fiji then too, but is now set for a new challenge.
“I am very pleased to be joining the Red Hurricanes Osaka. I would like to thank everyone on the team for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and I feel honoured that they have trusted me and welcomed me,” Tamanivalu said.
“I am also very much looking forward to moving to Osaka with my family, starting a new life in this city, and becoming a part of the community. This is the beginning of a new challenge for my family as well.
“I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and staff. I will dedicate all my strength to the team, both on and off the field, and do my best to contribute to the team’s success. I
also hope to create a special season together with the fans and supporters.
“I am looking forward to the day I can meet you all. I can’t wait to play as a member of the Red Hurricanes Osaka.”
Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device.
From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.
