League One division two newcomers Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks have announced six new signings for the 2024-2025 season.
The ambitious Koto-based side have significantly bolstered their ranks to negotiate the step up to League One’s second tier.
Lock Ed Holmes, 28, arrives from Bristol Bears while number eight Sosiceni Tokoqio, 31, joins from Mie Honda Heat.
Veteran fly-half Hayden Cripps, 33, comes on board from Urayasu D-Rocks with 24-year-old centre Noah Foster being recruited from New Zealand’s provincial side Rugby Southland.
London-born centre Terrence Hepetema, 32, who played Super Rugby for the Waratahs and the Blues, has been signed from French Pro D2 side FC Grenoble.
Wing Essendon Tuitupou, 20, who captained Moana Pasifika in a Super Rugby U20s tournament in March, joins from the Blues.
Former Sunwolves fly-half Cripps said: “I am looking forward to joining the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks in the upcoming season. I am excited to meet all the fans, staff and players. I will do my best for the team. Thank you to all the support.”
His new teammate Noah Foster said: “My dream has always been to play rugby in Japan, so I am very excited for this next chapter of my rugby career.”
Highly-rated prospect Tuitupou, who has shone on the New Zealand age-grade rugby scene, said that he’s looking forward to realising one of his goals by playing overseas in Japan.
“My goal has always been to come and play professional level rugby and experience the different type of rugby here in Japan. So, for Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks to offer me this opportunity has been a huge blessing.”
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