NRL star Joseph Manu will play under former All Blacks coach Ian Foster at Toyota Verblitz next season.
Toyota announced the arrival of the Kiwi pair which sees Manu make the long-anticipated cross-code switch, as RugbyJP reported in March.
The Hamilton, New Zealand-born native, 27, turned down offers from France to sign for the big-spending League One side for the 2024-2025 season as he steps up his All Blacks ambitions.
Toyota have underperformed this season despite possessing one of the most star-laden and expensively assembled squads in the top-flight with their ranks including Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Japan captain Kazuki Himeno.
Ian Foster was part of Steve Hansen’s All Blacks coaching team from 2012-2019 - winning the won World Cup in 2015 - before the former took over the reigns and ended his time in the New Zealand hot-seat after defeat to South Africa in the final last year.
Hansen has served as Toyota’s Director of Rugby since 2019 while compatriot Ben Herring is the club’s current head coach.
Manu said: “I know that the club has a proud history, and I am eager to become a part of such an exciting organisation. I also eagerly anticipate playing alongside all the talented players at the club and working with the staff.
“I can’t wait to play in front of the team’s passionate supporters. It was a tough decision to leave the Sydney Roosters and NRL. I have cherished my time playing rugby league for the Roosters and will always be grateful to all who have supported me and provided incredible opportunities.”
Foster, whose exact coaching role with Toyota is still to be announced, said: “I have kept an eye on the development of Japanese rugby over the last few years.
“There is no doubt Rugby League One is a competition that is improving all the time. I am very excited to be joining Toyota and am determined to make a difference.
"I have been very impressed with their ambition and am confident we can work together to achieve the goal of winning titles. And of course I am looking forward to linking back up with Steve and working with him again. We have always worked well together and have shared some incredible.”
Hansen also commented on the high-profile signings.
“I'm very excited about Joey's signing. He's a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions, including utility back. I've seen him excel as a centre, wing, and full-back. He has a great skill set and a strong work ethic both of which I believe will help him crossover to rugby effortlessly, and his skill set aligns well with our style of play as well as the game he's currently involved in.
“We're also committed to supporting him to become the player he aspires to be. I'm confident he'll bring elements that complement our game and I'm anticipating seeing him in action.”
Hansen also hailed the recruitment of Foster who he regards as a ‘great coach and a great friend’.
“We are very pleased that Ian will be joining Toyota Verblitz. As you all know, Ian and I have a deep personal connection and I trust him deeply. He is not only a great coach, but also a great friend, and I look forward to having him join us. We are already in active discussions about next year's plans and excitement is building.”
The ambitious club was also in talks with Jordie Barrett but – citing family reasons after his father Kevin Barrett played for Athlone club Buccaneers in the 2000-2001 season - the versatile All Blacks midfielder opted to sign for Leinster and will link up with his new teammates in December.
Toyota Verblitz, who were tipped for a play-off push this season, are currently sixth with Suntory Sungoliath (third) and Yokohama Canon Eagles (fourth) leading the race to secure the two remaining play-off spots.
The Aichi-based side have to beat unbeaten leaders Saitama Wild Knights at home on Saturday and see off Yokohama on home soil next week while hoping other results go their way. Pictures courtesy of the Sydney Roosters and Toyota Verblitz