Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse to join Japan's Sagamihara Dynaboars in 2024

Springbok World Cup star Kurt-Lee Arendse is the latest South African player to make a move abroad.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Blue Bulls flyer has signed with the Sagamihara Dynaboars on a contract that will run from December 2024 to May 2025, after which he will return to Loftus Versfeld.

World Cup winning Springbok star rumoured to be on the move

The 28-year-old winger, originally from Paarl, has enjoyed an impressive career with the Blue Bulls with his performances helping him earn a call up to the Springbok set-up for their 2023 World Cup squad, where he became a key starter.

Arendse explained his decision to move to Japan, telling RugbyPass that he believes the experience will help him grow as a player.

The Springbok flyer is joining a significant number of top rugby players who have made the switch to Japan’s Rugby League One. While in Japan, he will compete against several fellow Springboks, including Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Kwagga Smith.

In the same interview, Arendse highlighted how well-suited he feels for the style of play in Japan, which emphasizes a fast-paced, dynamic game on firm pitches. “The hard grounds in Japan and their fast-paced approach with plenty of ball movement will suit me well,” said the former Blitzbok Sevens star.

He also touched on the unique nature of playing in Japan, contrasting it with the more traditional career paths of South African players who typically head to the UK, Ireland, or France. “Many of my Springbok teammates who have played in Japan say it’s an amazing experience, both on and off the field. The rugby is great, but living in Japan is also completely different from what we’re used to.”

Arendse expressed excitement about both the rugby and cultural experiences awaiting him in Japan, and hopes to make a meaningful impact for the Dynaboars, a club with a solid reputation and ambitions to rise higher in the league standings.