World Cup winner Kurt-Lee Arendse is the latest Springbok to flock from South Africa’s shores.
On Tuesday it was announced that the ex-Blue Bulls star will line up for Sagamihara Dynaboars alongside Curtis Rona, Yūki Miyazato and Yoshimatsu Yasue.
Arensde has signed a season-long contract, from December 2024 to May 2025, following which he will return to Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Springbok credentials
Born and raised in Paarl, the 28-year-old has had a stellar career with the Blue Bulls, which, along with his Blitzboks stint, earned him a spot in the 2023 World Cup squad, where he became a regular starter.
He feels now is the time to move, telling Rugbypass that heading to Japan will make him a “better player”.
The Springbok winger joins a long list of international rugby stars who’ve headed to Japan’s Rugby League One.
A popular Springbok destination
He will face fellow Springbok teammates Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Kwagga Smith as Japan continues to make major signings.
In the same conversation with Rugbypass, Arendse noted that “The hard grounds in Japan and the general approach to the game, with its fast pace and plenty of ball movement, is going to suit me,” the former Blitz Bok Sevens flyer explained.
“Several of my teammates with the Springboks have or are in Japan and they all say the same thing: it’s a great experience playing there, but also living in the country, as it is completely different from the path most South African players tread, where they play at home, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, or in France.
“I’m really looking forward to the rugby, but also the cultural side of the experience, and seeing how it goes. Hopefully I can make a difference for the Dynaboars, who I know are a well-regarded club in the League, did well last season and are ambitious about climbing up the table.”
Springboks upcoming UK tour fixtures
Following a successful Rugby Championship, the Springboks head to the United Kingdom for their last test tour of the year.
And you can be sure you’ll see Arendse wearing green and gold.
Rassie’s Erasmus men will play three matches:
- Scotland vs South Africa (18:10, Nov 10)
- England vs South Africa (19:40, Nov 16)
- Wales vs South Africa (19:40, Nov 23)
Do you think this is the right move?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow
@TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebookfor the latest news.
