All Blacks Perofeta and Finau among 10 Yokohama signings

Yokohama Canon Eagles has unveiled 10 new signings including All Blacks Stephen Perofeta and Samipeni Finau.

Leon MacDonald’s side has significantly bolstered their ranks for the 2026-2027 campaign after a lowly 10th-placed finish last season.

The headline signings of Perofeta and Finau, who have effectively ended their All Blacks careers by moving to Japan, were possible after the departures of Springboks star Faf de Klerk, retiring Italian international Dino Lamb and ex-All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman.

Perofeta has arrived from Super Rugby side the Blues while Finau joins from the Chiefs.

Jesse Kriel-led Yokohama has also lured ex-Māori All Blacks internationals Kurt Eklund, Pari Pari Parkinson and Laghlan McWhannell to Kanagawa.

Former Māori All Blacks captain Eklund and lock McWhannell both worked with MacDonald at the Blues.

Ex-Highlanders lock Parkinson comes on board from division two side NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Versatile newcomer Gage Jackson, who joins from NPC team North Harbour, can play lock and across the back row.

Japan-qualified utility-back Tiaan Falcon arrives from Toyota Verblitz.

Props Keito Tawara and Kan Nakano have been recruited from Hitachi Sun Nexus Ibaraki and Suntory Sungoliath respectively.

Flanker Shinichi Tanaka has joined from division two outfit Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex.

Tonga-born Finau, who won the last of his 12 All Blacks caps against Argentina in 2025, said: “I am very pleased to be able to make a fresh start as a member of the Yokohama Canon Eagles for the upcoming season.

“I look forward to working hard with my teammates, facing the challenges that lie ahead with all my might, and playing in the wonderful atmosphere on game day." Fly-half Perofeta, who last played for New Zealand in 2024, said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Yokohama Canon Eagles and starting a new career. I look forward to meeting everyone as a member of the team. I will do my best to contribute to the club's success.”