Samoa international among four Secom Rugguts signings

Samoa international Sam Slade is one of four new signings for division three side Sayama Secom Rugguts.

Former New Zealand u20 international Slade (below), 28, who is currently on Pacific Nations Cup duty with his country, joins from Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika.

Slade in action for Moana Pasifika last sason

League One winner PJ Steenkamp, 27, arrives from Toshiba Brave Lupus where he played alongside fellow lock Jacob Pierce, the son of Rugguts head coach and ex-Japan sevens international Scott Pierce.

Fiji-born wing Naivaluwaqa Tomasi, 22, has also made the move to Saitama from Tenri University Rugby Club while utility-back Curtis Reid, 30, completes the new arrivals after making the switch from Top East League side Akita Northern Bullets. 

New faces in Saitama

The Rugguts were one of the founding members of the Top League (the precursor to League One) which was established in 2003 and their notable formers players includes Samoan legend Brian Lima and former Fiji star Seremaia Bai.

After a strong Top East League Group A campaign under Pierce in the 2023-2024 season, and with the backing of Japanese security giants Secom - who appointed baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani as an ambassador in March - the club’s application to join the fully professional Japan Rugby League One was approved.

The Rugguts impressed last season as they finished second in League One’s third division and only narrowly lost a two-leg promotion/relegation play-off to division two side Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks.

Former Wales international Cory Hill has returned home while ex-Super Rugby star Chase Tiatia, who scored 14 tries in 16 games last season, has remained with the side for a second tilt at promotion.

The youthful squad now has a year of experience in the pro ranks behind them and, complemented by some shrewd signings and the know-how of ex-Pontypool centre Pierce, will be tipped to mount a title bid next season.

New recruit Slade, who as an international Test player will occupy a Category C spot, said: “Playing in Japan has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to head over, embrace the challenge, and give my all alongside my new teammates.”

South African Steenkamp commented: “I’m excited for a great season, getting to know the team and coaching staff. I offer as much of my knowledge and skills as I can to the team, both on the field and off the field.”

Tomasi said: “I am very proud to be able to play as a member of the Secom Rugguts. I will do my best to advance to Division two and to grow as an individual.”

Auckland’s Reid said: “I am looking forward to meeting all the players and staff in the organisation. The club has a strong drive for success, and I will give 100% effort to help achieve this season’s target.” 

The Rugguts will start their second season in League One with a 'home' fixture against last season's division three title winners Skyactivs Hiroshima on Saturday 13 December in Tochigi.