Toutai Kefu takes new head coach role after leading First Nations and Pasifika

Former Wallabies star and ex-Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu has been appointed as the new head coach at division two side Kamaishi Seawaves.

Kefu, 51, left his role as forwards coach at Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in June and led the First Nations and Pasifika XV against the British and Irish Lions a week ago in Melbourne.

The tourists narrowly defeated Kefu’s physically imposing side 24-19 before they clinched the Wallabies series in the second Test on Saturday.

Ex-Kubota Spears head coach Kefu has already made four new signings as Kamaishi, who are backed by Nippon Steel Corporation, the country's largest steelmaker, aim to establish themselves in Japan’s second tier after finishing bottom of the table last season.  

Kamaishi held on to their division two status by beating division three outfit Skyactivs Hiroshima both home and away in the two-leg relegation/promotion play-off.

Australian hooker Lulu Paea, 22, joins from Black Rams Tokyo after being limited to just one appearance last season.

Ex-Australia u20 international lock Connor Seve, 23, arrives from Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika while scrum-half and former Tonga international Shinnosuke Tafokitau Oka, 31, has inked a deal after leaving Suntory Sungoliath.

Centre Paula Mahe, 24, who has one cap for Tonga, signs on from Romanian side CS Dinamo Bucharest.

New head coach Kefu said: “I am very honoured and privileged to be joining the Kamaishi Seawaves this upcoming season. They have one of the most loyal supporters in Japan. I look forward to the challenge and I can’t wait to start my time there.”

Paea said: “I’m excited for this opportunity to come and join Kamaishi Seawaves, looking forward to working alongside everyone to better my rugby and very eager to meet all the Seawaves fans and Family.”

Seve commented: “Very excited on my new chapter with Kamaishi Seawaves. Ready to hit the ground running.”

Oka, who finished the season on loan at division two side NEC Green Rockets, said: “I’m very excited to join Kamaishi seawaves rugby team for 2025-2026 season. Thank you to the management staff for giving me this opportunity. My family and I are very excited to meet the seawaves fan and supporter. I can’t wait to play infront of seawaves fan. Looking forward to meet you all.”

Well-travelled Mahe said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to joining the Kamaishi Seawaves and I am very excited to play in Japan. I will do my part to help the team succeed in the future. Looking forward to meet the fan at the stadium. Looking forward to meet you all.”