'Tahs sign SA-born Japanese back
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The Waratahs have signed former Sharks XV player Kotaro Matsushima from Suntory Sungoliath in Japan for the 2015 Super Rugby Season.
Matsushima has agreed to a short term contract with the Waratahs and will join the squad in March through to August 2015.
The 21 year-old South African-born Matsushima featured heavily for the Sharks Under-19 team in 2013.
He made his debut for the Sharks XV in the same year against Pampas XV where he scored a try.
Matsushima is fast developing a reputation in both Japan and South Africa for his pace and agility on field as well as his versatility at wing, centre and fullback.
Demonstrating a sharp side-step, the youngster impressed recently at outside centre in Japan’s clash against Samoa in 2014 and has many speculating of his future in Super Rugby.
“I am really grateful that my team to let me join a great team like Waratahs,” said Matsushima on leaving Suntory Sungoliath.
“I am looking forward to the new experience and learning a lot of new things.
"I want to grow more, not only as a better player but also as a person.”
Suntory Sungoliath welcomed the news that Matsushima would join the Waratahs over the 2015 Super Rugby season.
“We are very happy to announce Matsushima’s new challenge in Super Rugby. We hope that he will have the great experience and grow as a professional player,” said a spokesman for Suntory Sungoliath.
Matsushima became the first Japanese player to be signed to the Durban Sharks Academy in 2011, working his way to senior rugby in the Vodacom Cup by 2013
The speedy back has earned Six test caps for Japan, debuting for the national side against the Philippines in May 2014 and scoring two tries in that match.
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