Opeti Helu: My Dream Is Still to Play for Japan at the World Cup
- Mark Pickering
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Lyon-bound prop Opeti Helu said his dream is still to play for Japan at the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year after his switch from Kubota Spears to the Top 14 side was announced on Monday afternoon.
Tonga-born former number eight Helu, 27, won his two caps for the Brave Blossoms in 2024, and revealed that he discussed his opportunity to play in France’s top tier with Japan head coach Eddie Jones before inking a one-year deal with Karim Ghezal’s team.
“Eddie called me and he supports the move,” said Helu at Kubota’s press conference at their headquarters in Funabashi.
"The timeframe for me to move and (Japan’s) summer camp is difficult. I wanted to have a clear mindset to settle down in France.”
Helu, who came on for the final 29 minutes in Kubota’s League One final loss to Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers a week ago, wants to represent his adopted country on the game’s greatest stage and believes that the Brave Blossoms could reap the benefits of his move to France which includes an option for a second year.
“It’s my dream to represent Japan at the World Cup next year,” said the 6ft 3in, 127kg tight-head, who has made 78 appearances for Frans Ludeke’s side since debuting in 2022.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to go and improve my play and especially in my set-piece, it’s a tougher environment in Top 14. It’s a great challenge and I’m eager to learn, I want to be stronger.
"To represent Japan is a big honour. I have things to resolve first. I talked about my availability with Eddie once I’m settled in in France. We’ll have further talks then and I’m always open when he calls.”
Helu, who, as it stands, could technically qualify again for his native Tonga in November 2027, said the offer to play abroad and to hone his game in one of the world’s leading leagues was too good to turn down. Lyon’s offer was the most appealing from the ‘two or three’ suitors interested in luring him overseas.
“I’m happy to go and learn as much as I can. I want to learn and come back stronger.
“Lyon showed great interest in me and how they can help develop me as a player. I’ve interacted with their staff and players. It’s a similar environment to Kubota.”
The former Australia high school team member outlined the areas where he wants to develop his game.
“I want to work on my set-piece. In Top 14 the sides pride themselves on their scrum. That's what they wanted the most out of me. Not my ball carrying or my offloads. I have a lot of room to improve in that area with a lot of world-class players in that competition. I’m keen to learn from them all.”
Helu, who has been named in the League One team of the season for five consecutive years, thanked Kubota for their support and in particular his long-time coach Ludeke.
“My coach helped me with the decision,” he said.
“They weren't happy initially but coming to this decision, I have the full support from the players and the staff now. They know this will help me become a better player.”
South African Ludeke said: “The important thing for me is that he’s coming back. I’m 100 percent behind him. It’s about his career. He was a number eight when he came to us. He turned into a prop and he’s one of the best around. This is about him and we support him.
“If there’s one country that can help him with the fine art of scrummaging its France. We’re excited for when he comes back to add another weapon to his game.”
Helu added: ”I’ll do my best to come back stronger to Kubota.”