Joe Launchbury has agreed a stint at Toyota Verblitz in Japan this season – then the ex-Wasps captain will reportedly join Harlequins next summer.
He was one of the 167 players and staff made redundant after the Gallagher Premiership fell into administration on October 17.
“I’m so happy to be joining Toyota Verblitz for the 2022/23 Japan Rugby League One season,” said Launchbury.
“Since going to Japan for the World Cup in 2019, I have always wanted to come back. So to have the chance to sign for a great club like Toyota is something I am very excited about.
“My family and I are looking forward to experiencing Japan again and I’m personally looking forward to testing myself in the league and helping Toyota Verblitz have a good year.”
Toyota Verblitz general manager Akitomo Goto added: “We are looking ddddforward to welcoming Joe Launchbury and his family to the team.
“Joe will be the first England international player who has joined Toyota Verblitz since the team’s founding in 1941. His addition to the team will bring extra diversity and depth to the squad.”
Joe Launchbury facts:
- His nickname in the England set up is “Launchers”
- After Harlequins failed to offer him a professional contract aged 18, he left the club and joined then National League 2 South side Worthing for the 2009–10 season
- Launchbury is married to Mallory Bourn and they have two children, Blythe and Hayden, with another on the way
- His first England cap came off the bench in an autumn international against Fiji at Twickenham in 2012.
5 rugby stars who had normal jobs before becoming professional
Sometimes we should take time to appreciate those International rugby stars who plied their trade elsewhere before hitting the jackpot in the game we all love.
In an era where you only make it if you dedicate your life to it, it’s rare to find players who just months prior to their professional career were grinding the 9-5.
With that in mind, here are five international rugby stars who worked hard before making it big…
#1. Sam Underhill (England) – Painter/Decorator
Before securing a professional contract, the future England superstar served an apprenticeship under his Granddad as a painter and decorator. The 24-year-old, who likes keeping busy, hasn’t ruled out a return to the trade when his rugby days are done.
