Play-off contenders Yokohama Canon Eagles has announced that South African loose forward Jeandre Labuschagne has joined the club until the end of the season.
Labuschagne, 25, who can play as a lock of flanker, arrives from URC outfit the Sharks.
The 6ft 5in, 16st 10lb uMnambithi native has made eight URC appearances this season having first represented the club against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
Yokohama are sixth in division one, occupying the final play-off spot, with six games left in the regular season. Last season Keisuke Sawaki’s team finished fourth and went on to narrowly lose their play-off semi-final to Saitama Wild Knights before being bested in the third-place play-off against Suntory Sungoliath.
Labuschagne joins South African’s Jesse Kriel and Brendan Owen in Yokohama. Scum-half Faf de Klerk recently returned home to South Africa to undergo surgery on his right hand and will return in “six weeks”.
“I'm very excited to be joining the Yokohama Canon Eagles and becoming part of the incredible community, both on and off the field,” said the League One newcomer.
“I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and contributing towards a big season and pushing for the playoffs, while embracing the Japanese culture and values.”
Labuschagne will not feature in Sunday’s round 13 game against Toyota Verblitz in Oita. He will be expected to make his debut next week against Urayasu D-Rocks on 5 April.
Picture courtesy of the Sharks
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