An 11-cap Wallaby is set to join Damian de Allende’s Saitama Wild Knights in Japan later this year.
The club confirmed on Monday that Australian cross-code international winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will be heading there ahead of the new domestic season.
The 25-year-old has starred for the Sydney Roosters in rugby league’s NRL after spending four years in rugby union with the Waratahs.
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Nawaqanitawase, who has 11 caps for the Wallabies and also represented his country in rugby league, says it’s “a huge honour” to join six-time Japan champions Saitama.
“They are a very strong team that has experienced a lot of success and it is a club which carries a rich history,” he said in a statement.
“I am looking forward to becoming part of the Wild Knights and what we can build together in the future.”
Saitama did not disclose the length of Nawaqanitawase’s contract but reports in Australia said he had signed a lucrative two-year deal.
He joins fellow Australian Marika Koroibete at Saitama and will also play with South African World Cup winners De Allende and Lood de Jager.
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Saitama, who are coached by former Wallabies boss Robbie Deans, are currently top of the Japan Rugby League One table after seven rounds.
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The post Wallabies winger joins Doogz, Lood in Japan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
An 11-cap Wallaby is set to join Damian de Allende’s Saitama Wild Knights in Japan later this year.
The post Wallabies winger joins Doogz, Lood in Japan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
