EXCLUSIVE – Toshiba’s Shannon Frizell poised to extend Japan stay

Toshiba Brave Lupus star Shannon Frizell is set to deal the All Blacks a major blow by extending his stay in Japan after completing his original two-year deal at the club.

The 31-year-old back-rower won the League One title for the second year in a row against Kubota Spears on Sunday in front of 51,009 fans at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

Former Highlanders standout Frizell joined Todd Blackadder’s Toshiba in 2023 and played a key role in their first top-flight victory since the 2009-2010 Top League season.

The Tonga-born powerhouse has made 35 appearances in Japan's top-flight and has scored 21 tries.

Frizell’s last appearance for New Zealand was in the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa, and he was originally due to return home this summer with All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan among those who have been vocal about wanting to see the 33-cap flanker back in a black jersey.  

International colleague and two-time MVP Richie Mo’unga, who won Player of The Match in the final despite playing with a broken hand, joined the Fuchu side at the same time on a three-year deal and both players will continue to be ineligible for All Blacks coach Scott Robertson while they are plying their trade overseas.

Speaking post-match, Frizell told RugbyJP.com: “It’s likely that I’ll be in Japan for another season. Firstly, I’m going to have a good break with my family and then we’ll see what happens.”

Frizell and Mo’unga are two of a host of League one stars who have been invited by their former All Blacks coach Ian Foster to play for the AUNZ Invitational XV against the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on 12 July.

Both players are still to be officially confirmed and granted permission from their club to play for incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss’ invitational outfit which marks the return of the combined Australia and New Zealand side for the first time since 1989.

Rugby Australia are also understood to be taking out an insurance policy to cover the contract of the players.

Frizell, who will be eligible for Wales and Tonga from November 2026, said: “I’m talking to the (AUNZ XV) coaches and like I said I’m still keen to play, it’ll be decided in the next few weeks.

“If they still want me to play, I’m definitely interested in appearing in that game.” 

Pictures courtesy of JRLO