Wallaby Lolesio joins second tier Shuttles - could debut v Libbok

Wallabies star Noah Lolesio has joined second division Japanese side Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi and could make his debut against Springboks star Manie Libbok in round one in December.

Brumbies fly-half Lolesio, who RugbyJP.com reported was poised to join the Shuttles back in April, was overlooked for the 2023 World Cup by Eddie Jones but established himself as the Wallabies first-choice fly-half under Joe Schmidt.

The 25-year-old Auckland native suffered a neck injury in a Test match against Fiji in July which required surgery and ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions series as well as the Rugby Championship. 

Picture courtesy of Rugby Australia

Lolesio, who has 23 caps for the Wallabies, said: “I just wanted to say how excited I am to be joining the team,” after his arrival was announced on Friday.

“I’ll be moving from Australia and becoming part of a new rugby community here in Japan is something I’ve really been looking forward to. I’ve heard great things about the team’s culture and spirit, and I’m eager to meet everyone, work hard in training, and contribute both on and off the field.

“I’m also looking forward to learning more about Japanese rugby and the way the game’s played here. Thank you very much for the opportunity to be part of this special club and hope we can strive for great things. I can’t wait to get started and meet the team soon.”

Lolesio will be joined in Aichi by 38-year-old Samoan legend Christian Lealiifano who returns to the club after a brief spell with the Japanese side during the 2018-2019 season.

Ex-Wallabies international Lealiifano, who has represented Samoa since 2023, said: “I am so happy to be able to return to the Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi. I can't wait to meet the coaches, my new teammates and start training for the season.” 

Lealiifano playing for the Shuttles in 2018 - Picture courtesy of JRLO

Toyota’s impressive recruitment drive has been rounded off by the addition of Thomas Umaga-Jensen from the Highlanders.

Centre Umaga-Jensen, 27, follows his twin brother Peter Umaga-Jensen to Japan after the latter joined promotion hopefuls Kintetsu Liners.

“Kia Ora everyone, I’m super excited to be joining Shuttles for the upcoming season,” said Umaga-Jensen who will be reunited with his former Highlanders teammate Ajay Faleafaga.

“I can’t wait to meet the team at Shokki and experience the Japanese culture as well.” 

Thomas Umaga-Jensen joins his twin brother Peter in Japan

New signings Lolesio and Lealiifano would be expected to compete with recent arrival Faleafaga for Toyota’s number 10 jersey but could also be utilised in the midfield.

Toyota won division two last season but missed out on promotion after losing the two-leg promotion/relegation play-off to the division basement outfit Urayasu D-Rocks. 

The club's capable squad includes high-quality Welsh centre Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, Samoa international number eight Taleni Seu and Samu Kerevi's older brother Josua in addition to free-scoring wing Chance Peni.

The title candidates open their campaign with a mouthwatering home game against Manie Libbok and Akira Ioane’s big-spending Liners on Saturday 12 December at Paloma Mizuho Stadium.