As first reported by RUCK.co.uk in October, Joe Launchbury will now be playing his rugby with Harlequins for the 2023/24 Premiership season.
He was one of the 167 players and staff made redundant after the Gallagher Premiership fell into administration on October 17.
Released by Quins academy over a decade ago, the England second-row has turned down an approach from Racing 92 to sign with the Premiership club.
It was confirmed this morning that the 31-year-old will first take up a contract in Japan with Toyota Verblitz for the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season, which runs from December until May.
“I’m so happy to be joining Toyota Verblitz for the 2022/23 Japan Rugby League One season,” said Launchbury.
“Since going to Japan for the World Cup in 2019, I have always wanted to come back. So to have the chance to sign for a great club like Toyota is something I am very excited about.
“My family and I are looking forward to experiencing Japan again and I’m personally looking forward to testing myself in the league and helping Toyota Verblitz have a good year.”
Toyota Verblitz general manager Akitomo Goto added: “We are looking ddddforward to welcoming Joe Launchbury and his family to the team.
“Joe will be the first England international player who has joined Toyota Verblitz since the team’s founding in 1941. His addition to the team will bring extra diversity and depth to the squad.”
The 31-year-old made a stunning 177 appearances during an 11-year spell with Wasps while also captaining the club.
Joe Launchbury facts:
- His nickname in the England set up is “Launchers”
- After Harlequins failed to offer him a professional contract aged 18, he left the club and joined then National League 2 South side Worthing for the 2009–10 season
- Launchbury is married to Mallory Bourn and they have two children, Blythe and Hayden, with another on the way
- His first England cap came off the bench in an autumn international against Fiji at Twickenham in 2012.