Spears lure three more Saffa players
The club, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that Bulls loose forward Pieter Labuschagne, Southern Kings flyhalf Louis Fouché and Highlanders wing Patrick Osborne will join the Spears ahead of the 2016-17 season.
However, Japanese media outlet japonrugby.net listed Lions flank Jaco Kriel as among the outfit's new recruits.
A Golden Lions Rugby Union spokesperson told rugby365 they are not aware of the player's departure.
Labuschagne, who joined the Bulls from the Cheetahs last year, will move to Japan on a full-time basis and not float between Super Rugby and the Japanese Top League like so many of the other South African players.
Fouché, who joined the Kings from the Bulls this season, will become part of the growing list of South African players at the club – to be coached by former Bulls mentor Frans Ludeke. Fouche previous played for the Ricoh Black Rams.
Kriel – who captained the Lions to Currie Cup glory – is expected to return after the Japanese season to rejoin the Lions for Super Rugby in 2017 – if the move is confirmed.
Bulls lock Grant Hattingh, who has just recovered from injury, is listed among those who will not return to the club.
Another South Africans who is on the 'not to return' list at the Spears include Lions centre Lionel Mapoe and Sharks loose forward Keegan Daniel.
However, Mapoe and Kriel's presence at the Japanese club is dependant on the possibility that they may be inclusion in new Springbok coach Allister Coetzee's team for the June internationals, Rugby Championship and year-end Tests.
The addition of the Highlanders powerhouse, Osborne, will ensure the Spears will be extremely competitive in the Top League next season.
"I am very excited to be able to play in the Top League for the Spears," Osborne said, adding that his goal is to help the team win the Top League.
Labuschagne said he would is determined to "contribute" on the field to help the club achieve its goal of winning the league.
"I am looking forward to be coached by Frans [Ludeke] again," Labuschagne said.
Fouche said his previous experience of playing in Japan will help him settle in ,much easier this time round.
Au calme, Kubota Spears (club milieu tableau de Top League au mieux) nous fait un très joli recrutement! pic.twitter.com/dzjEUjzZ1d
— Japon Rugby / ?????? (@Japonrugbynet) May 18, 2016
