EXCLUSIVE – Freddie Burns talks about his next move

Former England fly-half Freddie Burns has commented on his next possible move with a host of international sides understood to be courting the out-of-contract playmaker.  

RugbyJP.com exclusively revealed in April that Burns, who turns 35 next week, will end his two-year stay at division two side Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi this summer.

The former Gloucester and Leicester star has guided the Shuttles to the division two title with a game to spare after scoring 11 tries and 172 points to top the individual charts in both categories.

Bath native Burns squares off against outgoing Kintetsu Liners fly-half Quade Cooper on Saturday in the final regular season round.

The two-time Anglo-Welsh Cup winner will look to sign off for the Aichi outfit by helping them secure promotion to Japan’s top-flight when they face Samu Kerevi’s division one basement outfit Urayasu D-Rocks in the two-leg promotion/relegation play-off on 24 and 31 May.  

Picture courtesy of JRLO

When asked if a return to Leicester Tigers – for whom Burns kicked the match-winning drop goal in the 2022 Premiership Final – was a possibility the Englishman teased that he would be interested in a return to Welford Road.

“They have my number,” said Burns who won five caps for his country and plays alongside his former England u18’s teammate James Gaskell in Japan.

Lock James Gaskell is the captain of division two champions Toyota Shuttles

Fellow English side Bath, who ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Premiership Rugby Cup in March, are well equipped with fly-half options Burns believes.

“Never say never (about a possible Bath return) but they definitely don’t need me.

“Finn (Russell) is Finn and judging on the performances I’ve seen from young Ciaran Donoghue recently they’re in good hands in the future too.”

Burns had a short-lived, injury-hit spell in New Zealand with the Hurricanes in 2023 before moving to Japan.

The well-travelled stalwart believes a return to Super Rugby and New Zealand is unlikely at this stage of his career.

“I don’t think that opportunity will open up again at my age. Would have loved another crack as the injury meant it was over just as I was getting started. Forever proud though.” 

Burns posted a message on X on Wednesday to confirm his departure from Yoichi Tokuno’s promotion candidates.

“After much thought I have decided that I’ll be moving on from Shokki at the end of this season,” Burns posted.

“I’ve loved my time playing alongside my teammates and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. I am now fully focused on achieving the teams ultimate goal of promotion.”

Interestingly, Burns didn’t say he was leaving Japan, just his current club and that should ignite further interest from League One sides.