Lyon-bound prop Opeti Helu said his dream is still to play for Japan at the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year after his switch from Kubota Spears to the Top 14 side was announced on Monday afternoon. Tonga-born former number eight Helu, 27, won his two caps for the Brave Blossoms in 2024, and revealed that he discussed his opportunity to play in France’s top tier with Japan head coach Eddie Jones before inking a one-year deal with Karim Ghezal’s team. “Eddie called me an

Japan prop Opeti Helu has signed for Top 14 side Lyon, his club Kubota Spears has announced today. Tonga-born Helu, 27, has spent seven years with the Funabashi side having joined in 2019 following a successful two-month trial. The hulking 6ft 3in, 127kg tight-head, who famously sidestepped All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie to score on his Brave Blossoms debut in 2024, has attracted a host of suitors this season and has opted to ink a deal with Karim Ghezal’s French side wh

Shizuoka Blue Revs wing Semi Radradra is keen to return to the Test match arena with Fiji set for a daunting summer schedule in the inaugural Nations Championship. The well-travelled former NRL star, 33, last represented his country in 2024 with one appearance during their Autumn Nations Series. Radradra’s last Test match was Fiji’s historic 24-19 triumph against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in which he was sent off. The former Bristol Bears flyer could make his long-await