South Africa’s wing Makazole Mapimpi runs to score a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on November 2, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)
Mapimpi headed back to Japan to play Top League
The Red Hurricanes new coach Johan Ackermann has recruited a raft of South African talent with Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi the headliner.
South Africa’s wing Makazole Mapimpi runs to score a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on November 2, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi a single season deal with Japanese Top League side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
The former Kings winger will return to the Sharks in April 2021, though it remains unclear what the season will look like next year due to issues created by the pandemic.
The Red Hurricanes new coach Johan Ackermann has recruited a raft of South African talent. Mapimpi is the headliner alongside fellow World Cup Winner Franco Mostert, who joins from Ackermann’s former club Gloucester.
Gloucester have confirmed that Mostert is one of threee players who will be leaving the English club to head to Japan.
The Red Hurricanes have also confirmed the signings of Tyler Paul, Franco Marais, and Ruan Vermaak.
Paul joins Sharks teammate Mapimpi in the Red Hurricanes squad but unlike the Bok try machine will not be returning to Durban next April.
The Sharks have endorsed what is effectively a loan deal for Mapimpi with the franchise still unclear when they will be allowed to resume training, let alone get back on the field.
Mapimpi to recapture Rugby World Cup Magic
Japan was very good to Mapimpi in 2019 and his powerful finishing won him many fans in the land of the rising sun. Mapimpi told the Red Hurricanes’ official club website that he was looking forward to a new challenge.
“It is extremely exciting. I am honoured to be with you,” Mapimpi said.
“I have very good memories of last year’s World Cup in Japan. And I believe that Red Hurricanes will have more wonderful experiences and memories.
“Also, I’m really looking forward to working as a team with new members such as Johann Ackermann.
“And finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the South African Association, Sharks, NTT Docomo, and my management team for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Welsh connection
Mapimpi could find himself playing outside of Wales centre Owen Williams who is one of the Gloucester recruits.
Williams is keen to renew a working relationship with the former Lions coach Ackermann.
“As I watched the Rugby World Cup last year, I was fascinated by the supportiveness of Japanese people for rugby, and I’m really looking forward to joining the Red Hurricanes team,” Williams said.
“I hear that Osaka is a wonderful city to live in, so I and my partner can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the Japanese lifestyle and enjoy wonderful Japanese food.
“I also look forward to the aggressive attacking rugby that Ackermann coaches. We can’t wait for the entry restrictions to be lifted and to join the teammates of the future.”
