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The New England Free Jacks have confirmed the return of Japan international Kensuke Hatakeyama for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. He fulfills the second of a two-year contract announced in November of last year.
Hatakeyama managed just two games during the MLR campaign. The 78-test veteran started the season opener against Rugby United New York but would miss the next three matches before returning in the No3 shirt in what would be the last game before the COVID cancellation against the NOLA Gold.
Now 35 years old, Hatakeyama should act in more of a mentorship role in 2021 for promising American tightheads Quentin Newcomer and Spencer Krueger. South African recruit Erich de Jager, currently playing for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby Unlocked, is expected to be first choice for the Free Jacks.
