Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The New England Free Jacks have signed former Japan tighthead prop Kensuke Hatakeyama on a two-year contract that will run through the 2021 Major League Rugby season. He will become the second Japanese player to play in the league following loosehead prop Sunao Takizawa, who played three matches for Austin at the end of this past season.
Hatakeyama retired from international rugby in 2016 after winning 78 caps for the Brave Blossoms. He played in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, starting in the famous win over South Africa in Brighton. Now 34 years old, he has remained a prominent figure with the Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Top League and enjoyed a five-month stint with Newcastle Falcons during the 2015-16 Premiership season.
New England have now filled out their front row stocks for the coming season. Hatakeyama adds a veteran presence at tighthead who will also aid in the development of young American prospect Quentin Newcomer. Eagles veteran Tony Purpura and Tongan international Tolu Fahamokioa are among the six props with three hookers also signed up.
