Springbok star scores screamer on debut for Sagamihara Dynaboars

South African winger Kurt-Lee Arendse had a debut to remember for the Japanese team, Sagamihara Dynaboars this weekend. The twenty-eight-year-old scored his first try for the side, and what a try it was.

After signing for his new club just this month from the Vodacom Bulls, he was awarded player of the match in his first outing.

Much to the delight of the Sagamihara fans in the stands, it wasn’t long before Kurt-Lee would announce himself to the club with his opening try. Deft hands saw the ball pass through three players before reaching the wingers’ hands. With his electric pace, he swiftly ran past the two adjacent defenders on his way to the try line. A last-ditch tackle attempt came in from the last defender. However, a slightly dropped shoulder allowed the speedster to canter home and make it over the whitewash with ease.

Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring his first #NTTリーグワン try of the season #SaffasAbroad #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/p4bOv3Bes9

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) December 22, 2024

On a six-month contract in Japan, the Springbok star will be thrilled with his introduction to the league. Ahead of joining the club, Arendse expressed excitement about both the rugby and cultural experiences awaiting him in Japan, hoping to make a meaningful impact for the Dynaboars, a club with a solid reputation and ambitions to rise higher in the league standings. Now playing in Japan’s Rugby League One, Arendse will compete against several fellow Springboks, including Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith.

“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 ahead of his initiation to the Japanese league.

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.”