Highlanders Sign Japan's Rugby World Cup Star
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The Highlanders have added some Japanese grunt to their pack for the 2021 season with Brave Blossoms star Kazuki Himeno signing with the club from Toyota Verblitz.
Himeno was one of the standout players during the Rugby World Cup in Japan last year as the side reached the knockouts of the World Cup for the first time.
The back-rower is comfortable on either side of the scrum as well as no.8 and lock. Himeno played in all five of Japan's Rugby World Cup matches registering 61 carries, 50 tackles and won five turnovers.
He joins the Highlanders, who have strong links with Japan with both Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown having coached at the Highlanders and are now involved with Japan.
The 26-year-old heads to the Highlanders having already had Super Rugby experience with the Sunwolves.
After the Rugby World Cup, Himeno was linked with a number of French clubs but has since decided to take his talents to the Highlanders.
Journey across the world 🇳🇿✈️
Toyota Verblitz ⚡and Brave Blossom, Kazuki Himeno, will join New Zealand's Highlanders from January 2021 🌸
Congratulations, Kazuki! 👏@toyotaverblitz @teikyo_8 @Highlanders pic.twitter.com/TBmPeyCo1M
— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) October 12, 2020
The 17-test cap looseforward will return to Verblitz after the 2021 season with the Highlanders. Himeno's absence for Verblitz will be a blow for the side coached by former All Black coach Steve Hansen but the side have confirmed the signing of Wallabies' captain Michael Hooper who will join for All Blacks' captain Kieran Read at the side.
