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Mapimpi to link up with Ackermann as Springbok wing's new Japanese team is confirmed
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi has agreed to join Japanese Top League side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, where he will link up with former Gloucester coach, and fellow South African, Johan Ackermann. Mapimpi is the headline signing for the Red Hurricanes, who are set for an influx of South African stars.
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The Red Hurricanes have also signed three players from Ackermann’s former club, Gloucester.
Mapimpi is believed to have signed a one-year deal, which will see him return to the Sharks next year.
Ackermann left Gloucester after three years last month, and his arrival is already proving to be productive for the Red Hurricanes, with his team shaping up to have a big South African influence next season.
Sharks forward Tyler Paul is also joining the club, along with Gloucester’s Franco Marais and Ruan Vermaak, who makes the move from Super Rugby side the Lions.
Wales centre Owen Williams will also link up with his former Gloucester head coach in Japan, along with his Gloucester teammate Tom Marshall.
The Hurricanes announced their new signings on social media, and World Cup winner Mapimpi told the club’s official website that he was looking forward to a new challenge.
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“It is extremely exciting. I am honoured to be with you,” Mapimpi said.
“I have very good memories of last year’s World Cup in Japan. And I believe that Red Hurricanes will have more wonderful experiences and memories.
“Also, I’m really looking forward to working as a team with new members such as Johann Ackermann.
“And finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the South African Association, Sharks, NTT Docomo, and my management team for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Williams follows fellow Wales international Hadleigh Parkes to the Japanese Top League, with Parkes agreeing terms with the the Panasonic Wild Knights earlier this season.
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“As I watched the Rugby World Cup last year, I was fascinated by the supportiveness of Japanese people for rugby, and I’m really looking forward to joining the Red Hurricanes team,” Williams said.
“I hear that Osaka is a wonderful city to live in, so I and my partner can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the Japanese lifestyle and enjoy wonderful Japanese food.
“I also look forward to the aggressive attacking rugby that Ackerman coaches. We can’t wait for the entry restrictions to be lifted and to join the teammates of the future.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
39 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
39 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
39 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
39 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
39 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
39 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
39 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments