Jake White's Blue Bulls have created a new role in their coaching team, signing Hitoshi Ipponsugi as their Head of Athletic Performance.
While the Six Nations rivals took a breather with the tournament simmering nicely, former rugby stars had steam rising on and off the snow in the French Alps last week.
Three seasons into the Sunwolves experiment and there are already concerns about the long-term future of a Japan-based side in Super Rugby.