England star joins Springboks-laden club in Japan

TRANSFER NEWS: England international Joe Launchbury is joining Verblitz in Japan for the upcoming season, the latest big signing as the country’s League One strives to attract global talent.

The former Wasps captain said he was eager to return to Japan, host of the 2019 World Cup.

“So, to have the chance to sign for a great club like Verblitz is something I am very excited about,” he said in a statement.

“My family and I are looking forward to experiencing Japan again and I am personally looking forward to testing myself in the league and helping Verblitz have a good year,” he said.

At Verblitz, Launchbury will join veteran Springboks fullback Willie Le Roux, who is nicknamed “sensei” meaning teacher, and Le Roux’s compatriot flank Pieter-Steph du Toit.

The season runs from December to May.