Arendse eager to nest in Japan

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Kurt-Lee Arendse says he would love to turn his Japanese sabbatical into a long-term move after being unveiled by League One outfit Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars on Wednesday.

Arendse arrived in Tokyo on Monday night to take up his short-term loan from the Vodacom Bulls, after helping the Springboks go unbeaten on their November tour.

Welcome to Japan Kurt-Lee Arendse #SaffasAbroad@rugbysanjp#rugbjppic.twitter.com/XpcEPDDsBR

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) November 26, 2024

The 28-year-old will stay with the side coached by New Zealander Glenn Delaney for most of the 2024-25 League One season, but is expected to return to the Bulls in time for the Vodacom URC playoffs.

"I've been wanting to come to Japan for a while," Arendse told RugbyJP.com in his first press conference.

“The Bulls released me to play in Japan after I asked them and I'm happy for the opportunity. I'm really excited to learn the culture and what it's like to be in Japan."

Arendse, who recently signed a contract extension to stay with the Bulls for another two years, revealed he would like to make a more permanent move to Japan in the future.

“I'd love to stay longer, if I got the opportunity,” he said. “I have another two years at the Bulls but if I can stay longer here, I'd love to. I'll give my best for the team for the time I'm here."

Arendse is among a plethora of World Cup-winning Springboks based in Japan with his first game on 22 December set to be against Jasper Wiese’s Uruyasu D-Rocks, while he will also face Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe next year.

"It's always exciting to play against your teammates. It’s always competitive,” he said. “It will be tough but I’ve seen the Dynaboars players have been putting in the hard work in pre-season.

“A lot of young players can learn from Cheslin and the way he plays."

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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