Freddie Burns confirms plans to leave Japan - Premiership return on the cards for fly half

byTom Sansom

Freddie Burns has announced he will leave Toyota Industries Shuttles Aitchi (Shokki Shuttles) at the end of the season, fuelling speculation that the former Leicester Tigers fly-half could be set for a return to the Gallagher Premiership.

The 34-year-old has spent the 2024/25 campaign playing in Japan Rugby Division Two, helping the Aichi-based club in their push for promotion. In a message shared on social media, Burns confirmed his decision to move on:

“Sayonara! After much thought I have decided that I’ll be moving on from Shokki at the end of this season. I’ve loved my time playing alongside my teammates and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. I am now fully focused on achieving the team’s ultimate goal of promotion.”

Burns' rugby journey has been nothing short of eventful. He produced arguably the most iconic moment of his career in the 2021/22 Premiership Final, when he slotted a last-minute drop goal at Twickenham to clinch a 15-12 victory for Leicester Tigers over Saracens.

The title-winning kick came after George Ford was forced off with injury — and Burns stepped up under immense pressure to seal the club’s first Premiership title since 2013. The moment remains a defining highlight in his career and a cherished memory for Tigers fans.

After lifting the Premiership trophy, Burns departed Leicester and headed to New Zealand, joining the Highlanders in Super Rugby. He made nine appearances for the Dunedin-based side during the 2023 campaign, adding valuable experience in a new hemisphere before making the move to Japan.

Now, as his time in Asia comes to an end, the door appears wide open for a return to English rugby. With a career that spans Gloucester, Bath, Leicester, the Highlanders, and now Shokki, Burns offers a unique blend of international experience, leadership, and proven clutch performance.

Image Credit: Freddie Burns on X

Premiership sides looking to strengthen their options at fly-half — whether as a starter or mentor — will no doubt be watching closely. A potential homecoming to Bath, or a third spell at Gloucester, have already been touted as possibilities. Leicester themselves could also be interested, should squad depth become an issue heading into next season.

One thing is certain: Freddie Burns isn’t done yet. Whether he’s donning familiar colours or starting a fresh chapter, his return to the Premiership would bring not only quality on the pitch, but the charisma and character fans across the league know so well.

For now, his focus remains fixed on one last job in Japan, helping Shokki Shuttles earn promotion, but British fans may not have to wait long to see Burns lighting up the domestic game once again.