Another top Wales international has confirmed their exit from the country, following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Anscombe has agreed a move to Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League One, following his release from the Ospreys.
Anscombe is set to join fellow countrymen Liam Williams and Cory Hill in Japan, and may well cross paths with Williams in the top division. The fullback agreed a move to the Kubota Spears, whilst Hill signed for division four side Secom Ruggets.
Anscombe left the Swansea club at the end of the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season, following his move from Cardiff in 2019. Despite being a registered Osprey for four seasons, Anscombe made just 19 appearances as problematic knee and shoulder injuries kept the playmaker side-lined.
The New Zealand born star sat out the entirety of the 2020/21 campaign, as his knee injury required two significant operations. Anscombe is currently amongst Warren Gatland’s 43-man wider training squad, as Wales continue their preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and preluding warm-up games this Summer.
“It is a great honour coming to play for a team like Sungoliath, I can’t wait to get over to Japan and play in front of the fans and experience the Japanese lifestyle and culture,” Anscombe said to Wales Online. “I look forward to joining the team later in the year and getting stuck in with the boys.”
It will be unlikely to see Anscombe return to Wales duty for the 2024 Six Nations, as he will be tied down with duties at Suntory Sungoliath. Liam Williams has confirmed that he will be unavailable for next year’s competition, yet aims to keep the door open for a return to the red jersey later down the line.