Ex-Japan captain Lappies Labuschagne takes first coaching job
Former Japan captain Pieter Lappies Labuschagné has been appointed as a defence coach for one of the game’s most renowned schoolboy rugby powerhouses in Bloemfontein.
Labuschagné, 37, who left Kubota Spears in June after 10 seasons with the Funabashi-based club, will be part of a new-look coaching team for his former college’s u15 team.
Ex-Portugal forward Nelio de Sa and Shimlas assistant coach Chase Morison will join the former Sunwolves loose forward after being recruited by Director of Rugby Wessel du Plessis who rejoined Grey from the Bulls in September.
A fan favourite for Japanese supporters, Labuschagné captained his adopted country to home World Cup wins over Ireland and Samoa in 2019 and was handed the job on a full-time basis in 2021.
The 2023 League One winner, who also played under Kubota head coach Frans Ludeke at the Bulls before moving to Japan in 2016, played 103 games for the club.
Labuschagné, who won the last of 19 caps for Japan in their 2023 World Cup pool stage loss to Argentina, was named in the 2021 Top League team of the season and was voted the Best Tackle in the 2023-2024 League One season.
The Brave Blossoms stalwart made four appearances for Kubota last season, claiming a runners-up medal in his last game as a professional as Ludeke’s side were bested 22-13 by Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers in June’s League One final.
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