World Cup winner and ex-All Black join division two side

Japanese division two side Hanazono Kintetsu Liners have announced the arrival of World Cup-winning fly-half Manie Libbok and ex-All Black Peter Umaga-Jensen.

Cash-rich Liners, who are backed by corporate transport company Kintetsu who run rail and bus services in Osaka, announced eight new signings on Tuesday with the aforementioned duo being the two standout names who will both occupy Category C spots (capped by a country other than Japan).  

South African star Libbok, 28, arrives from the Stormers and will link up with his new team following the Autumn Internationals.

Centre Umaga-Jensen, 27, who is the nephew of former All Black captain Tana Umaga and the late former All Black Jerry Collins, joins from the Hurricanes.

Libbok said: “I'm really excited to be joining the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners. It’s a great opportunity for me to contribute to the team’s success and do everything I can to help get the club back into the top division of Japanese rugby. “I’m also looking forward to working with the younger players and sharing my experience to help them grow and develop.  “Most importantly, I can’t wait to connect with the fans and become part of the Kintetsu community — both on and off the field. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m ready for the journey ahead!” 

Picture courtesy of Six Nations Rugby

Umaga-Jensen, who we exclusively revealed would be joining the Osaka-based outfit, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Hanazono Kintetsu Liners for this opportunity to represent you this season. 

“I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can and put the team's best foot forward in preparation of the season ahead. 

“I can’t wait to connect with all the players, management and loyal fans at Kintetsu and hopefully help me with my Japanese.” 

Picture courtesy of the Hurricanes

RugbyJP understands that Liners executives made the decision in January to drastically overhaul their squad after failing to win in the opening three rounds of the season having been relegated from division one.

The Liners, who returned to form and narrowly lost a two-leg promotion-relegation play-off to division one side Honda Heat, let the contracts of iconic Wallabies half-back pairing Will Genia and Quade Cooper expire this summer along with Japan international Semisi Masirewa.

Newcomers Libbok and Umaga-Jensen will be joined in Hanazono by former Kubota Spears inside-centre Burger Odendaal. The 32-year-old South African joins from European Champions Cup runners-up Northampton Saints.

Countryman Ryno Pieterse, who covers the second and back row, arrives from French Pro D2 side FC Grenoble and will face competition from new locks Shouma Makinouchi and Scot Kiran McDonald who arrive from Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi and English side Newcastle Falcons respectively.

The Liners have also bolstered their front row with the signing of ex-Suntory and Saitama Wild Knights prop Shohei Hirano.

Former Liners player and Osaka native Haruki Ota, 38, has replaced former Brave Blossoms head coach Shogo Mukai as the new head coach and is tasked with steering the club back top Japan’s top-flight.  

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for all the build-up to 23025-2026 season in Japan.