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Japan Rugby League One

Richie Gray to team up with host of World Cup winners in Japan move

By Josh Raisey

67 days ago

Richie Gray (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Scotland lock Richie Gray has signed for Japan Rugby League One’s Toyota Verblitz ahead of the new season, as reported by RugbyPass.

Glasgow Warriors announced at the beginning of October that the 35-year-old would bring his second stint at Scotstoun to a close at the end of November, though his new destination had not been announced at the time.

The well-travelled Scotland international will now add another country and league to his collection, with the new season in Japan set to begin in December. The British and Irish Lion will team up with World Cup winners Pieter-Steph du Toit and Aaron Smith in Japan, while working under World Cup-winning director of rugby Steve Hansen.

Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard on Siya Kolisi’s impact

Glasgow face a mini-tour of South Africa over the next two rounds of the United Rugby Championship, against the Sharks and the Stormers, which will be the 79-cap international’s final outings for the club before the league takes a break during November.

Gray was omitted from the Warriors’ recent 33-3 home win over Zebre, which deprived him of a Scotstoun swansong.

Fixture

Japan Rugby League One

Kubota Spears

23:30

Today

Toyota Verblitz

All Stats and Data

Verblitz get their JRLO division one campaign underway against Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay on December 22.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Gray said in a Verblitz statement after signing. “I’m really looking forward to seeing you all and trying my best and working hard to be part of a successful environment and successful Verblitz team. Hope to see you soon.”

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 37 minutes ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 44 minutes ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU