George Gregan and Goliath
Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:34
Japan's reining champions Suntory Sungoliath have signed former Wallaby captain George Gregan to a two-year deal with the Top League club.
"I am delighted and honored to be joining Suntory Sungoliath and look forward to the season with much excitement," Gregan informed Daily Yomiuri in a statement released by the team.
Gregan retired from Test rugby after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, having amassed a world record 139 appearances for his country, before spending a season playing alongside former All Blacks flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens for Toulon in the French second division.
His arrival in Japan means he will be able to catch up with a number of former Australian teammates, not least Stephen Larkham.
The two paired up at halfback for the Wallabies a world record 79 times, and were such an institution at the Brumbies that they had a stand named after them.
However, with Larkham playing in the second division with Ricoh Black Rams, their paths won't cross just yet on the paddock.
Gregan should have no problems settling into the Suntory pattern of play. The club has for many years employed Eddie Jones - Gregan's mentor with both the Wallabies and the Brumbies - as a technical advisor.
However, a spokeswoman said it was the club's decision to get Gregan on board and that Jones had been consulted only after the decision had been made to go after the 35-year-old.
Gregan's experience will be invaluable to head coach Katsuyuki Kiyomiya and though he is listed as a player only, he will no doubt have a big say in how things are done on and off the field.
"I hope to be able to contribute positively to my team and the supporters of Suntory Sungoliath," said Gregan, who is expected to arrive in Japan in August.
Suntory opens the 2008-09 Top League season in early September when it takes on Sanyo Wild Knights -last year's league runner-up and All Japan champions - in a night game at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Stadium.
