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Matsushima's confirmed switch from Japan to France could be a game-changer
By Josh Raisey
After Clermont officially confirmed the signing of Japan star Kotaro Matsushima, it is hoped that this could be the first of many players to make a move from Japan to France.
The winger is fresh from a sensational World Cup with the Brave Blossoms where he perfectly fitted into a team under Jamie Joseph that played at a relentless pace.
He will finish the Top League season in Japan with his current side Suntory Sungoliath before making the move to central France on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old was one of many Japanese players that captured the imagination of the rugby world at the RWC, and it is hoped he may set a trend for many of his compatriots to follow.
This move from Japan to France is not common, as players have often opted to play for southern hemisphere sides instead.
However, capturing such a big name in Japanese rugby could encourage names like Yu Tamura, Timothy Lafaele and Kazuki Himeno to follow suit. This will only help improve the standard of the Top 14, as well as its global appeal.
One of the main incentives of moving to France for players is the money on offer, but this may not entice many Japanese players who currently play in the equally free-spending Top League.
Moreover, the influx of international stars that have joined that league in the wake of the RWC has only improved the standard of that tournament.
No player would want to abandon their league during a time where it is growing in status, but a move to a different rugby environment, particularly a much more physical league, may actually benefit both Matsushima and in turn Japanese rugby.
Having already played for Toulouse’s under-21 team earlier in his career, the winger has had some exposure to French rugby, but the main concern is that it will be hard for players to acclimatise to such a different league.
However, if Matsushima carries the form he showed in the RWC, where he scored five tries, to the Stade Marcel-Michelin, this will prove to be a very astute move by Clermont.
WATCH: Catch all the highlights from the round three Top League fixture between Kobelco Steelers and Kotaro Matsushima's Suntory Sungoliath
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Vaai is finally having his breakout year getting comfortable and showing great form at lock, and there are form players and experience all across the backrow, why on earth would you drop him to 6. Ridiculous
Go to commentsSo far, the All Blacks have won 8 matches out of 11 this year. That is a near 73% win rate. AB fans and, I assume, the team itself are not content with that and have everything to play for with the remaining 3 tests this year.
Their historical average is something like 77% these days and, although some years will always be better than others it is not likely to drop that dramatically to 70% any time soon. There is too much historical inertia on the stats. It is like saying Ireland’s form of the last 10 years or so is likely to reverse a historical average of 48% wins soon. It just isn’t.
Moreover, when you say they are ‘doomed’ to a 70% flatline are you not just assuming that Ireland will beat them again? How did that work out for you last time?
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