Pieter Labuschagne

Lappies Labuschagné is a talented flanker who currently represents the Kubota Spears. Despite being born in South Africa, he now plays international rugby for Japan.

Born 11 January 1989, Lappies Labuschagné spent his youth career with the Free State Cheetahs. During this time, he also captained amateur side UFS Shimlas in the Varsity Cup.

In 2011, Lappies Labuschagné then moved from the academy to the senior squad at the Free State Cheetahs. Between 2011 and 2014, he made 44 appearances for the side in the Currie Cup. He also played for the Emerging Cheetahs (2011) and the Free State XV (2012).

After impressing in the Currie Cup, Lappies Labuschagné signed to play for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby in 2012. Between then and 2014, he made 27 appearances for the side. From here, he signed to play for the Bulls and the Blue Bulls (2015-16).

Following this, Lappies Labuschagné decided to leave South Africa and signed for the Kubota Spears in Japan. He's remained with the side ever since, although he did also enjoy a season with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby in 2018.

Due to his obvious talent for the game, Lappies Labuschagné was called up to the South Africa squad for the mid-year tests in 2013. However, he never featured for the Springboks. As a result, when he satisfied residency requirements in Japan in 2019, he began to play for the Japanese national rugby team. He's represented the side ever since and captained them to a victory over Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.