LIST: 3 England players who've been linked with shock moves to Japan

The playmaker, who has played his club rugby in France with Racing 92 since 2018, is wanted by Green Rockets Tokatsu, where the former Australia and Leinster coach, Michael Cheika, is coming in as director of rugby.

In the days that followed there have been further reports of established internationals making moves to the division, including three current England stars.

The competition is already home to a galaxy of stars including Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick Michael Hooper and Kieran Read. 

Until recently the Top League have almost exclusively recruited from the southern hemisphere, however former England player George Kruis and ex Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw are at the vanguard of a growing British contingent. 

The speedster has had a tough time since returning to Gloucester following a few years at Leicester Tigers. However, his stock is still high enough that a report in Japan suggest he's on their shortlist as they continue to recruit the best players in the world.

With the England captain leading his country to the World Cup final staged in Japan, he has significantly grown their profile in the Far East. With the competition undergoing major reforms, Top League chairman Osamu Ota is hoping to make it an irresistible destination for the world’s top stars, including Farrell.

The Lions star been placed at the top of the wishlist of Japan’s Top League which is seeking to massively expand its profile following the 2019 World Cup.