All Blacks loose forward Akira Ioane could make his Kintetsu Liners debut in a pre-season match against TJ Perenara’s Ricoh Black Rams on Saturday 5 October in Tokyo.
Blues star Ioane, 29, was a surprise signing for the relegated Liners who have held on to veterans Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Semisi Masirewa and Brave Blossoms international Sanaila Waqa as they bid to make an immediate return to League One’s top-flight.
The former sevens star (below - centre) will have an extra incentive to make his Liners bow against the Rams as his father Eddie Ioane spent several seasons in Japan playing for the Komazawa-based club.
Ioane will not come up against his former All Blacks teammate TJ Perenara as the scrum-half is currently part of his country’s squad in the Rugby Championship and is set to be unavailable until October following the tournament’s conclusion on 28 September.
Osaka-based Liners begin their pre-season away at the Rams’ Ricoh General Ground before hosting neighbours NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka on 12 October and then entertaining Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi on 20 October.
The Hanazono Rugby Stadium outfit step up their preparations for the 2024-2025 season by travelling to play Kobelco Kobe Steelers on 7 December and Honda Heat on 14 December.
At the time of signing to play overseas for the first time in his career, Ioane said: “I am happy to soon be joining the Kintetsu Liners from the 2024-25 season.
“I have memories of living in Japan when my father played and I am excited to now be embarking on my own journey. I hope to bring my experience and passion to the liners as we fight to regain top tier status.
“I look forward to meeting my new team mates and the Liners supporters,” he added.
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