Britz takes Japan 'sabbatical'

Cheetahs loose forward Willie Britz has become the latest player to be afforded a Japan 'sabbatical.

The Cheetahs confirmed that Britz will be joining the Shining Arcs team in Japan after this year's Super Rugby competition.

However, he will return for next year's Super Rugby competition – missing only the Currie Cup.

"Free Rugby [Pty Ltd] are happy that he [Britz] has been afforded the opportunity to experience a different culture," the Cheetahs said in a statement.

"We look forward to welcoming him back next year," they added.

Two other Cheetah players – flank Heinrich Brüssow and centre Johann Sadie – also have agreements which sees them playing in Japan during the Currie Cup and South African off-seasons, then return for Super Rugby.

Britz said he is "super excited" to head to Japan.

"It is such an honour and massive opportunity to go and keep improving my rugby skills and learn about other cultures and ways of life," he said in a statement on social media.

Super excited to announce that I will be joining the @ShiningArcs in japan after the super rugby… https://t.co/fNa3cpOWha

— Willie Britz (@williebritz8) May 13, 2015

@williebritz8 signs for @ShiningArcs in #JapanLeague He will return for @S15Rugby 2016 @CheetahsRugby @InTouchSports pic.twitter.com/EalqL8aWVp

— James Adams (@James_Adams007) May 13, 2015