EXCLUSIVE: All Black Shannon Frizell sidelined with a broken hand

Toshiba Brave Lupus flanker Shannon Frizell broke his hand in the opening round loss to Saitama Wild Knights in December, RugbyJP.com can exclusively reveal.

The 31-year-old All Black played the full 80 minutes as the champions were routed 46-0 by the league’s inaugural winners on 14 December. The Fuchu outfit only discovered the true severity of his injury post-match.

Tonga-born Frizell is remaining in Japan for treatment and will be aiming to return in time for the play-offs in May.

Toshiba bounced back from their opening weekend loss by beating Shizuoka Blue Revs and Yokohama Canon Eagles on the road and bested Mitsubishi Dynaboars on Saturday in round four. Tonga-born Afu Ofeina, who already qualifies for Japan after spending four years at Tokai University, has deputised in Frizell’s place at blindside flanker after making his debut off the bench against Saitama. 

Frizell playing in round one - © JRLO

Former Highlanders loose forward Frizell originally joined Todd Blackadder’s side on a two-year deal after the 2023 World Cup but extended his deal to match his international colleague and back-to-back MVP Richie Mo’unga who will return to New Zealand this summer.

The 33-Test cap international is expected join Mo’unga in signing off from Japan after the 2025-2026 season to regain eligibility for the All Blacks ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Tonga and Wales will be monitoring his situation as the sought after back-row will be eligible to represent both nations from October 2026.

The ex-Tonga u20 international, who also played as a goalkeeper for the country’s u17 football team, qualifies for Wales through his stepfather Andrew who was born in Swansea.  

His stepbrother Tyson, 34, has represented Wales, Australia and Tonga in rugby league.

RugbyJP.com reached out to Frizell’s representatives regarding his plans for next season and they declined to comment.

Once-beaten Toshiba face Graham Rowntree’s in-form Urayasu D-Rocks - who also boast three wins from four games and are one place below their opponents in fifth-place - on Saturday at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP for on-site coverage of Urayasu v Toshiba