Welcome to RugbyJP.com’s Weekly Gossip Column as we round-up all the latest news, transfer rumours and more.
EXCLUSIVE: Stormers number eight Hacjivah Dayimani is not heading to Springbok-laden reigning champions Kubota Spears.
RugbyJP.com reached out to the uncapped South African who has been heavily linked with a move to League One after being overlooked by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus for a recent alignment camp in Cape Town.
While former URC winner Dayimani (below) wouldn’t be drawn on where he’ll be playing his rugby next season he did confirm that he hasn’t received an offer from Kubota.
“I haven’t been offered anything by Kubota” said the Cape Town native. (RugbyJP via Hacjivah Dayimani)
‘That’s so ridiculous’ – Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe’s INSANE try-saver sparks 100m score (MSN)
MMA and pro wrestling legend Kazushi Sakuraba will be a special guest at Kubota Spears’ last home game of the season against Mie Honda Heat at Spears Edoriku Field on 27 April. (Kubota Spears)
Why former All Blacks and some younger players choose Japan over home (RNZ)
Kubota Spears will hold a special talk show with the IQ Wrestler Kazushi Sakuraba before their last home game of the season against Mie Honda Heat on 27 April.
The chat will be held pre-match and a limited edition Kazushi Sakuraba x Spears collaboration T-shirt (above) will be on sale. (Kubota Spears)
New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reportedly seeks comeback by veteran lock and former Saitama Wild Knights player Sam Whitelock (News Hub)
RugbyPass TV to showcase Japan Rugby League One (World Rugby)
Asia Rugby Athletes Committee Commits to Sustainability Agenda with Rhino (Asia Rugby)
It’s time to consider talent, not geography (The Rugby Paper – Subscription required)
Pictures courtesy of the Stormers and Kubota Spears