Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw will play for the NTT Communications Shining Arcs next season, the Japan Rugby Top League club said Monday.
The 34-year-old scrumhalf was one of three overseas signings announced by the Shining Arcs, along with Australian flanker Liam Gill and New Zealand-born hooker Anaru Rangi.
“I’m honoured to announce that I have signed for Top League club NTT Communications Shining Arcs in Japan,” said Laidlaw.
“I was able to experience the country, the incredible people and the culture for the first time in 2016 and again during last year’s RWC. It is a country that has provided the warmest of welcomes every time I have visited. To now be making it my home and joining the Shining Arcs family is extremely exciting.
“I have played for some incredible teams during my rugby career and I’m excited to continue with NTT Communications Shining Arcs; I look forward to bringing my experience and what I have learnt with me to Japan and to experience the rugby culture and everything this fantastic country.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- Sir Ian McGeechan picks his all-time dream team
- 5 awesome pubs owned by rugby players
- How the BBC rated England’s players in 2003 final
- RANKED | The 5 Dirtiest Rugby Players in History
- England Players Who Started With a Bang But Faded Fast
Laidlaw became a fan favorite in Japan after leading Scotland to a 2-0 test series win on their 2016 tour of the country.
He was on the losing side against Japan at last year’s World Cup, when the hosts advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time by beating Scotland 28-21 in their last pool match.
Laidlaw retired from international rugby after the tournament as Scotland’s all-time longest-serving captain and second-highest points scorer.
JOIN THE RUCK:
LIST | 5 Englishmen who’ll represent other nations when rugby returns
1. Johnny Williams (Wales)
Place of birth: Weston-super-Mare
Back playing rugby following his cancer recovery, centre Johnny Williams is poised to exit Newcastle Falcons to join Scarlets, according to Wales Online. The 23-year-old made an appearance with the red rose on his chest only last year, starting inside-centre for an England XV against the Barbarians. And with a father from north Wales, Williams also qualifies to pull on the red jersey – with that sole appearance at Twickenham not committing him to England as it was an uncapped match.
