Aussies Abroad: Lolesio's hat-trick, mega-haul sends timely message as Australians thrive in European competitions

Mon, Apr 6, 2026, 10:59 PM
AW
by AAP and Nathan Williamson
Noah Lolesio has made a massive statement in Japan as the playmaker continues to thrive on his return from injury. Photo: Getty Images
Noah Lolesio has made a massive statement in Japan as the playmaker continues to thrive on his return from injury. Photo: Getty Images

Noah Lolesio has made a massive statement in Japan as the playmaker continues to thrive on his return from injury.

It comes as several Australians tasted success as the knockout stages of the European competitions got underway over the weekend.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Rugby.com.au breaks down the week that was in 'Aussies Abroad.'

Japan

Former Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio has produced a monster performance for Toyota Industries Corporation Shuttles Aichi in the second division of Japanese Rugby.

Lolesio had a hat-trick as part of a 27 point haul to go with three line breaks and seven tackle busts as they took down Kamaishi Seawaves 52-27.

It maintains Lolesio's perfect record since returning from a neck injury, winning his first six games for his new side.

In the top division, Wallaby winger Marika Koroibete scored just his third try of an injury-riddled season as Saitama Wild Knights blew Yokohama Eagles away 42-15 to reclaim top spot on the standings.

Returning after a four-game absence, the 33-year-old was one of two Australian try-scorers for the home side, with ex-Melbourne Rebels second rower Esei Haangana also touching down in the six-try-to-two victory.

It took the Wild Knights to the summit for the second time in three weeks as the competition heads into its final bye weekend of the regular season, after Steve Hansen's Verblitz stunned the previous leaders, Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Bay, 24-7.

Brisbane-schooled Sam Greene was a try-scorer as Shizuoka BlueRevs kept their finals hopes alive, coming from 19 points down to eclipse Sagamihara Dynaboars 45-41.

Mie Heat also remain in the mix for the sixth and final place in the play-offs after they upset Sean McMahon's Tokyo Sungoliath 24-17, while Brave Lupus Tokyo ended a seven-game losing streak today as they beat Samu Kerevi's Urayasu D Rocks, 40-24.

Europe

Northampton duo Josh Kemeny and James Ramm continue to fire as they helped the Saints defeat Castres 49-41 in the Champions Cup round of 16.

Kemeny was one of the Saints' best as he scored a vital try to go with 20 tackles as Ramm had two line breaks in the high-scoring win.

It was a similar success for lock Adam Coleman in a big 64-14 win for Bordeaux over Leicester, with Izaia Perese getting on the score sheet for the Tigers.

Prop Sam Talakai came off the bench for Glasgow, winning a turnover in his first involvement to help them to a 25-21 victory over the Bulls.

In the Challenge Cup, Tom Hooper helped Exeter take down Munster 31-21 in a busy performance that included 20 tackles and two turnovers.

Prop Angus Bell got the victory and a nice shiner in Ulster's 28-24 victory over Ospreys, while Jack Maddocks was unable to inspire Pau as they were shocked 31-15 by Zebre Palma.

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