Jasper Wiese swaps England for Japan as he joins Urayasu D-Rocks

The 28-year-old announced his intention to depart Leicester as early as last December but his next destination was only confirmed on Monday.

Wiese is set to link up with ex-Springbok Johan Ackermann, under whose leadership Urayasu D-Rocks recently earned promotion to the top flight in Japan.

The hard-running No 8 was also named in Rassie Erasmus' recent Springbok squad but will miss several games for the Boks following a lengthy suspension he picked up in his final game for Leicester.

"I am very excited to be a member of the Urayasu D-Rocks," Wiese said.

"I am looking forward to being a part of the D-Rocks and will play my best in every game to help the team win."

Welcoming his arrival, Urayasu D-Rocks wrote: "He made a major contribution to South Africa's second consecutive victory in the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

"He was included in the South African national squad announced recently, and is expected to become one of the key players for the South African national team in the future.

"He was also a member of the Best XV in last season's Premiership . He is particularly strong at carrying the ball, and was ranked number one in the Premiership. We hope you will look forward to seeing him demonstrate his skills on the Division 1 stage."

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