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Bath agree deal to sign Japan number eight Amanaki Mafi
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The 25-year-old will join from NTT Shining Arcs at the end of January
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Mafi will then spend the rest of the season with Bath
Struggling Premiership side Bath have agreed on a deal to sign one of Japan’s Rugby World Cup stars, Amanaki Mafi until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old back rower will arrive at the Rec at the end of January when the Japanese season concludes, where he is currently turning out for the NTT Shining Arcs.
“I’m really looking forward to arriving at Bath,” said Mafi. “They are a very compelling side to watch play and I know that joining them will be the best environment for me to continue developing my game.
“I’m also looking forward to a new adventure in England. I’ve had a great time in Japan, and would like to thank everyone at NTT Shining Arc for their support.”
Head coach Mike Ford said: “Amanaki is a talented young player who had a great Rugby World Cup and we’re excited to see what he can do in a Bath jersey.
“We have some very good players in our back row already, but we’re always looking to strengthen the squad, and Amanaki will give us another option in a hugely competitive position.”
The Tonga-born back-rower was an essential part of Japan’s World Cup squad and made the last pass in the move that ended in Kane Hesketh’s sensational match-winning try for the Brave Blossoms against South Africa.
And Bath head coach Mike Ford admitted he was looking forward to working with the fast rising star.
“Amanaki is a talented young player who had a great Rugby World Cup, and we’re excited to see what he can do in a Bath jersey,” admitted Ford.
“We have some very good players in our back row already, but we’re always looking to strengthen the squad, and Amanaki will give us another option in a hugely competitive position.”