For years,cashed-up clubs in Japan have raided Australia,New Zealand and the Pacific Islands for stars. But the numbers of players being poached may soon dry up.
Same ground,different shirt. Eighteen months on,former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones returned to Coogee in charge of Japan’s under-23 team.
In an exclusive interview,the former Roosters star talks about his decision to stay in the 15-man game,interest in playing against the Lions and his hip-hop future with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Former Roosters star Joey Manu is loving life in Japan and has decided to stay in rugby union.
Former Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu crossed the line in his first game in rugby union.
Japanese Rugby officials unveiled the Australian as their new coach last December,just weeks after he quit the Wallabies. A year on,the JRFU appear to be re-considering their decision.
An England player has revealed that the Australian coach ruled by fear - even telling a player he would be dropped if he didn’t get a haircut.
A 45-point loss at the hands of an understrength All Blacks team has exposed Japan’s lack of competitiveness under Eddie Jones.
Japan-based playmaker Bernard Foley says he is still highly motivated to play for his country and to help Australia’s young no.10s.
Club coaches in Japan have worked hard to enhance the esteem in which their competition is held,and they won’t take kindly to heavy losses for the Brave Blossoms.