Naiyaravoro set for Japanese stint

Tue, Jun 21, 2016, 2:15 AM
Matt Lewis
by Matt Lewis
The Panasonic Wild Knights have signed Taqele Naiyaravoro for the 2016-17 Japanese season. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley
The Panasonic Wild Knights have signed Taqele Naiyaravoro for the 2016-17 Japanese season. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

Taqele Naiyaravoro has been included in the Panasonic Wild Knights Japanese Top League roster for the 2016-17 season, before returning to Super Rugby with the Waratahs. 

The club, which claimed a third straight championship this season, has named the hulking winger on their roster, though the Waratahs are yet to officially confirm his deal.

Naiyaravoro recently cut short his contract with Scottish club Glasgow to return the Waratahs, and was immediately selected in the Wallabies squad for the England series, but is yet to play.

The Japanese deal will see Naiyaravoro join a host of Australians at the club with David Pocock, Ben McCalman and Berrick Barnes already part of the squad, coached by former Wallabies mentor Robbie Deans.

Deans first saw Naiyaravoro in action when he coached the World XV against Japan in 2015 where he scored three tries in their 45-20 victory.

Naiyaravoro will still be available for all Wallabies Test this season, including the Spring Tour in November where the Wallabies play their first Grand Slam tour since 2013.

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