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Matsushima's confirmed switch from Japan to France could be a game-changer

By Josh Raisey
Kotaru Matsushima (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

After Clermont officially confirmed the signing of Japan star Kotaro Matsushima, it is hoped that this could be the first of many players to make a move from Japan to France. 

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The winger is fresh from a sensational World Cup with the Brave Blossoms where he perfectly fitted into a team under Jamie Joseph that played at a relentless pace. 

He will finish the Top League season in Japan with his current side Suntory Sungoliath before making the move to central France on a two-year deal. 

The 26-year-old was one of many Japanese players that captured the imagination of the rugby world at the RWC, and it is hoped he may set a trend for many of his compatriots to follow. 

This move from Japan to France is not common, as players have often opted to play for southern hemisphere sides instead. 

However, capturing such a big name in Japanese rugby could encourage names like Yu Tamura, Timothy Lafaele and Kazuki Himeno to follow suit. This will only help improve the standard of the Top 14, as well as its global appeal. 

One of the main incentives of moving to France for players is the money on offer, but this may not entice many Japanese players who currently play in the equally free-spending Top League. 

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Moreover, the influx of international stars that have joined that league in the wake of the RWC has only improved the standard of that tournament. 

No player would want to abandon their league during a time where it is growing in status, but a move to a different rugby environment, particularly a much more physical league, may actually benefit both Matsushima and in turn Japanese rugby. 

Having already played for Toulouse’s under-21 team earlier in his career, the winger has had some exposure to French rugby, but the main concern is that it will be hard for players to acclimatise to such a different league. 

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However, if Matsushima carries the form he showed in the RWC, where he scored five tries, to the Stade Marcel-Michelin, this will prove to be a very astute move by Clermont. 

WATCH: Catch all the highlights from the round three Top League fixture between Kobelco Steelers and Kotaro Matsushima’s Suntory Sungoliath

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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