The Hanazono Kintetsu Liners have confirmed the signing of three South Africans ahead of the 2025-26 Japan Rugby League One season.
The Hanazono Kintetsu Liners have confirmed the signing of three South Africans ahead of the 2025-26 Japan Rugby League One season.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok (previously with the Stormers), lock/loose forward Ryno Pieterse (Grenoble) and centre Burger Odendaal (Northampton Saints) will further their careers in Higashiosaka, Osaka.
Libbok was targeted as a replacement for Wallabies veteran Quade Cooper, who recently left the club after six seasons, and could form a potent halfback partnership with former Aussie scrumhalf Will Genia.
In May, the Liners lost their two-match promotion-relegation tie against the Mie Honda Heat 58-44 on aggregate to remain in Division Two for the 2025-26 season, which starts in December and ends in June.
In a major move that has caught many rugby fans by surprise, Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has officially signed with Japan Division 2 outfit Kintetsu Liners, marking a new chapter in the dynamic playmaker’s career.
The 26-year-old, known for his flair, vision, and exceptional attacking game, has opted for a shift to the Japanese rugby landscape after a successful spell with the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Libbok’s move to Japan has now been confirmed, ending weeks of speculation about his future.
Libbok rose to prominence with the Stormers, playing a key role in their 2022 URC title-winning season and guiding them to the final again in 2023. His performances earned him a regular spot in the Springbok squad, including selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he showcased moments of brilliance.
Despite some inconsistency with the boot, his creativity and attacking mindset made him a valuable asset to the national team setup under Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber.
