Top 14 flyer eyes League One switch and Japan call-up

Japan-qualified Top 14 wing Toshi Butlin is eying a move to a Japan Rugby League One club to kickstart his Test rugby career, according to French newspaper La République des Pyrénées.

The 21-year-old Brisbane native has spent three seasons in French club Pau’s academy and scored three tries in his three senior appearances this season including a brace in the Champions Cup against the Scarlets.

Ex-sprinter Butlin, who was in the Queensland Reds academy before leaving for Europe, is poised to turn down a contract extension having set his sights on representing the Brave Blossoms who he qualifies for via his Japanese mother.

© Pau

The 5ft 10in (1.78m), 13st 12lb (88kg) youngster, who has played 10 games for the club’s academy side this season, is tipped to join Atsushi Kanazawa’s Saitama Wild Knights according to French journalist Laurent Vignasse.

His track and field background includes a silver medal in the 200 metre race at the 2022 Australian Championships and a bronze medal in the 100 metre event. He clocked a wind-assisted 10.53 seconds over 100 metres in the same year.

Pau will hold a ceremony for its departing players on Saturday when they host Montauban in their final home game of the regular season.

Butlin, who played for Australia at the World School Sevens tournament in 2022, is expected to say his goodbyes to the Béarn faithful as he aims to be a bolter for Eddie Jones’ Japan.

© Pau

The Brave Blossoms will announce a training camp squad next week ahead of Nations Championship games against Italy, Ireland and France in July.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for full on-site coverage of Japan's Nations Championship campaign