Springbok star Malcolm Marx has reportedly signed a contract extension with the Kubota Spears that will keep him in Japan's League One until June 2027.
In another blow to the All Blacks, winger Mark Tele'a has confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to head to Japan following the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Rassie Erasmus will be breathing a sigh of relief after Springbok speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse hobbled off the pitch during the clash against Kwagga Smith's Blue Revs.
Although Pieter-Steph du Toit is expected to miss the bulk of the Japan Rugby League One season with a shoulder injury, he should be back in time for the first Springbok Test of the year.
Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe starred as Suntory Sungoliath ended their winless streak to start the Japan Rugby League One season.
Springbok star Jasper Wiese's next destination has finally been confirmed, with the former Leicester Tigers man set to join Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan Rugby League One.