After leaving Sale Sharks, Faf de Klerk, a scrum-half from South Africa will now join Japanese side Yokohama Canon Eagles.
The Sharks have announced the departure of the 30-year old after four seasons. He was instrumental in helping them to reach third place in last year’s Premiership.
Sale’s De Klerk helped to revive his Springboks career.
After defeating England in the final in Japan, he won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa.
In a team statement, he stated that “Now it’s a reality” and that he couldn’t wait for the opportunity to work with his coaches and teammates to make a difference.
“The Japanese culture is incredible and I look forward sharing each moment with my partner, team and all the rugby lovers of Japan.”
De Klerk will join a Yokohama team that finished sixth in Japan Rugby League One. They also have Springbok Jesse Kriel.
The league saw fellow South Africans Pieter Steph du Toit and Willie le Roux play alongside Lukhanyo Am, Lukhanyo Am, and Malcolm Marx. It concluded on Sunday.