Springbok Manie Libbok's next move has been confirmed

Japanese Second Divsion outfit, Hanazono Kinetsu Liners, have confirmed the signing of Manie Libbok for next season.

RugbyPass first reported that the 20-times capped Libbok was heading to the Osaka-based club back in May, as Quade Cooper’s replacement.

The Japanese Second Division outfit missed out on promotion to Japan Rugby League One last season after losing in the play-offs and have made some serious moves in the transfer market to capture the 2026 title.

Libbok will be joined amongst others by once-capped All Black, Peter Umaga-Jensen. The Hurricanes midfielder’s only Test appearance was against Australia in October 2020.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners. It’s a great opportunity for me to contribute to the team’s success and do everything I can to help get the club back into the top division of Japanese rugby,” said Libbok.

“I’m also looking forward to working with the younger players and sharing my experience to help them grow and develop.

“Most importantly, I can’t wait to connect with the fans and become part of the Kintetsu community — both on and off the field. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m ready for the journey ahead!”

In addition to Libbok and Umaga-Jensen, the Liners have announced six more new signings.

Two players have been recruited from the Gallagher Premiership, South African centre Burger Odendaal (Northampton) and Scottish second-row, Kiran McDonald (Newcastle).

South African loose forward Ryno Pieterse has left Grenoble to become part of the squad, while prop Shohei Hirano, lock Shouma Makinouchi and scrum-half Keita Fujiwara have made the switch from rival Japanese clubs.