Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath have signed promising scrum-half Max Hughes from Christchurch-based footy side Sydenham RFC.
Suntory has already replaced Japan international Naoto Saito, who has earned plaudits for his performances for Top 14 juggernauts Toulouse, by bringing in compatriot Kenta Fukuda from Toyota Verblitz.
The Fuchu side is awash with talent in the scrum-half department with veteran Yutaka Nagare, 32 and Fukuda, 27, among their options along with Okayama-born Tonga international Shinnosuke Tafokitau Oka, 30, and 29-year-old Genki Okoshi who made two League One appearances last season.
Suntory’s latest addition is a highly-regarded prospect who has played age group rugby for his country (New Zealand Secondary Schools in 2019).
Hughes, 22, joins from Sydenham RFC who effectively play at a tier below the provincial level.
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan started his career playing at Sydenham and made over 180 senior appearances for the Christchurch club.
Hughes, who also has experience of playing at fly-half, was picked for the Canterbury "B" squad last year which is a pathway to New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC).
The youngster said: “I’m so excited to come over and join the team! A team with rich history of results and an awesome fan base.
“I can't wait to come over and meet everyone involved with the club and get ready for a huge season! See you all very soon!”
Suntory finished third last season behind Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and Toshiba Brave Lupus and defeated Yokohama Canon Eagles in the third-place play-off match.
Club management replaced head coach Kiyonori Tanaka with former player Kosei Ono in August.
Ono, who is now the youngest head coach in Japan's top-flight at 37, played 34 times for the Brave Blossoms and started at fly-half in his country’s famed scalp over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.
Suntory start their 2024-25 campaign against inaugural League One champions Saitama at Ajinomoto Stadium on Saturday 21 December.
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