Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese is set to take a lucrative offer in Japan next season, following the announcement from Leicester Tigers of his departure at the end of this season.
Amidst wide speculation about his future destination, with interest from clubs in South Africa and France, it appears Wiese is heading to Japan, as reported by Planet Rugby.
Initially, after the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumph, it seemed he might join the Top 14 team Stade Francais. However, those negotiations fell through, and Wiese weighed his options, including a possible return to South Africa with the Sharks or Bulls.
But, according to the Daily Mail, a Japanese club offered a salary over 50 percent higher than Leicester Tigers, significantly influencing Wiese’s decision. The clubs Suntory Sungoliath and Kobe Steelers were mentioned as potential destinations.
Now, it’s believed that Wiese will join forces with former Springbok forward and ex-Lions head coach Johan Ackermann at the Urayasu D-Rocks, a second-division team in Japan’s Rugby League One.
Wiese will be in the company of other Rugby World Cup winners like Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, and Franco Mostert, who are also playing in Japan.
