Mapimpi to link up with Ackermann as Springbok wing's new Japanese team is confirmed
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi has agreed to join Japanese Top League side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, where he will link up with former Gloucester coach, and fellow South African, Johan Ackermann. Mapimpi is the headline signing for the Red Hurricanes, who are set for an influx of South African stars.
The Red Hurricanes have also signed three players from Ackermann's former club, Gloucester.
Mapimpi is believed to have signed a one-year deal, which will see him return to the Sharks next year.
Ackermann left Gloucester after three years last month, and his arrival is already proving to be productive for the Red Hurricanes, with his team shaping up to have a big South African influence next season.
Sharks forward Tyler Paul is also joining the club, along with Gloucester's Franco Marais and Ruan Vermaak, who makes the move from Super Rugby side the Lions.
Wales centre Owen Williams will also link up with his former Gloucester head coach in Japan, along with his Gloucester teammate Tom Marshall.
The Hurricanes announced their new signings on social media, and World Cup winner Mapimpi told the club's official 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."
Williams follows fellow Wales international Hadleigh Parkes to the Japanese Top League, with Parkes agreeing terms with the the Panasonic Wild Knights earlier this season.
"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 Ackerman coaches. We can't wait for the entry restrictions to be lifted and to join the teammates of the future."
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This is all being blown totally out of proportion. First of all, since half the Irish team isn’t Irish - it’s very likely that none of the Irish players said that at all and, thus, we’re not being arrogant. Second, since half the Irish team is Kiwi - it’s very likely the Kiwi players were predicting a NZ SA World Cup final. Which they got spot on. Good on them!
Go to commentsAha. An Irishman with logic! Follow the flow: - Ireland peaks with a >80% win record between 2020 and 2023. And then… - crashes out of another QF at the WC; - Beat a poor French Team; - Beat 6N wooden spoonists Italy; - Play shite against eventual wooden spoonists Wales; - Lose against the most boring, “the worst English team ever” , a team widely regarded as unable to attack; - scrape through against Scotland. This article, No - Trimble, is on the money! Except for one glaring statement: _The Springboks have a few aces in the hole in this debate being the reigning world champions and official world number ones_ There is no debate, boys and girls. There it is. In black and white. “Reigning World Champions and OFFICIAL world number ones”. Come July, the overrated Andy Farrell and this overhyped team are going to enter into a world of hurt.
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