Springboks star Pieter-Steph du Toit has been named to make his Japan Rugby League One debut for Toyota Verblitz this weekend.
Former Wallabies star Israel Folau has been named to start his second Japan Rugby League One match after impressing in his competition debut last weekend.
Some of the world’s best rugby players are now just hours away from taking the field in the inaugural season of Japan’s Rugby League One competition.
The Verblitz have named an all-Kiwi second row for their opening game of the 2022 Japan Rugby League One season, with new recruit Patrick Tuipulotu set to partner former Chief Michael Allardice.
Over 1,000 days since Israel Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, the former Wallabies fullback will make his return to the field on Saturday in the opening round of Japan's new competition, League One.
All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett lined up at 10 for Suntory as his side looked to keep their unbeaten streak alive, but it wasn't smooth sailing as Toyota put the star recruit under pressure.
Coach Jamie Joseph has whittled down his 42-man World Cup training squad to 31 for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. A number of the cuts, however, were forced due to the unavailability of various players.
A Top League Select side will take on ASM Clermont Auvergne from the Top 14 in France in the Japan.