Latest news with #HanazonoLiners
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
CONFIRMED: Springbok star heads overseas
The overseas departure of Stormers and Springbok star Manie Libbok has become a completely 'open secret', but it has now been officially confirmed that he will be joining the Hanazono Liners in Osaka, Japan, on a permanent deal. Libbok will effectively replace Wallabies legend Quade Cooper, who left the club at the end of this past season. The Stormers have granted Libbok an early from his contract, which was set to run until 2027. Recently, Stormers coach John Dobson said that the big money offer from Japan, – coupled with the decision to install Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the team's first-choice flyhalf – all added to the acceptance that Libbok should be allowed to pursue his move abroad. 'Manie is a big loss,' Dobson said. 'We had a fantastic journey with him, and we would've liked to keep him. However, there are two aspects to consider. Sacha, and with good reason, is absolutely adamant about playing flyhalf and he is entitled to it. 'Sacha also doesn't want to be a guy who comes off the bench as a fullback. It was going to be tricky. At the same time, Manie received an offer from Japan that would be described as eye-watering. It would change his whole family. 'We were entitled to do so (hold him to his Stormers contract). But we weren't going to say it and tell him to forego the money, and that he will no longer possibly be our first-choice flyhalf. 'Manie is going with our blessing, thanks, and an open invitation to return which we had a fantastic discussion around it. When he comes back, he will return here. We could not deprive him of this opportunity.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Manie Libbok leaves Stormers
The Stormers have confirmed a major squad shake-up, with nine players – including star flyhalf Manie Libbok – officially parting ways with the Cape Town franchise. Libbok, a key figure in the Stormers' 2021/22 United Rugby Championship (URC) title, and a 2023 Rugby World Cup winner, headlines the list of departures. While the team didn't specify his next move, multiple reports suggest the dynamic playmaker is set for a stint in Japan with Hanazono Liners, the Osaka-based side who are currently pushing for promotion from Division Two of Japan Rugby League One. Manie Libbok – Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf, URC champion Brok Harris – Veteran tighthead prop and long-serving stalwart, now retired Herschel Jantjies – Scrumhalf, joining Bayonne in France Paul de Wet – Scrumhalf, moving to Bulls Joseph Dweba – Hooker, signed by Exeter Chiefs (England) Ben Loader – English utility back, returning home to Gloucester Clayton Blommetjies – Veteran fullback, departure confirmed (new team TBC) Angelo Davids – Speedy winger, signed by the Lions Dave Ewers – Zimbabwe-born loose forward, retiring from professional rugby While the departures signal a rebuilding phase, the Stormers' management is expected to announce new signings soon. Fans will be watching closely as the franchise prepares for the 2025/26 URC season with several gaps to be filled. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Cooper's side earn shot at Japan rugby promotion series
Quade Cooper's final season in Japan Rugby League One goes on after his Hanazono Liners crushed Shuttles Aichi 38-7 to earn a shot at next week's two-legged promotion/relegation series. Needing to win to keep their hopes alive, Hanazono conceded the opening try to former Western Force and Brumbies centre Chance Peni, but held the Division Two champions scoreless for the remaining 68 minutes, with Cooper's long-time halves partner Will Genia one of the game's stars. The veteran Wallaby scrum-half scored his 10th try of the season, one behind ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns. The former Queensland Reds Super Rugby winners will face their ex-Test teammate Tom Banks in the home-and-away series after the Wallaby fullback's Mie Heat ended the regular season with a hefty 67-22 loss to seventh-placed Black Rams Tokyo on Sunday. Israel Folau and Samu Kerevi enjoyed a better return in the final match before their two-game relegation series against the Shuttles, as Urayasu D-Rocks won their third match of the season, beating Sagamihara Dynaboars 34-21. Kobe Steelers are going to have to reverse back-to-back defeats against Shizuoka BlueRevs if they are to make it beyond the first weekend of the Division One playoffs. Former Wallaby coach Dave Rennie's charges head into their third fixture of the season against the BlueRevs coming off a 29-23 defeat on Saturday, which added to a 15-13 loss at Shizuoka on the competition's opening day. Kobe led 20-19 shortly after halftime, but were outscored four tries to two. The winner of Saturday's opening quarter-final will play the defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who will skip the first week after overpowering Yokohama Eagles 49-28 to finish on top of the table The Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights also gained direct entry to the final four after recording their biggest win of the season, flattening Tokyo Sungoliath 60-17. They will play the winners of Sunday's match between Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay and Sungoliath. Spears ended the regular season third after Saturday's 37-14 win over Verblitz. Quade Cooper's final season in Japan Rugby League One goes on after his Hanazono Liners crushed Shuttles Aichi 38-7 to earn a shot at next week's two-legged promotion/relegation series. Needing to win to keep their hopes alive, Hanazono conceded the opening try to former Western Force and Brumbies centre Chance Peni, but held the Division Two champions scoreless for the remaining 68 minutes, with Cooper's long-time halves partner Will Genia one of the game's stars. The veteran Wallaby scrum-half scored his 10th try of the season, one behind ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns. The former Queensland Reds Super Rugby winners will face their ex-Test teammate Tom Banks in the home-and-away series after the Wallaby fullback's Mie Heat ended the regular season with a hefty 67-22 loss to seventh-placed Black Rams Tokyo on Sunday. Israel Folau and Samu Kerevi enjoyed a better return in the final match before their two-game relegation series against the Shuttles, as Urayasu D-Rocks won their third match of the season, beating Sagamihara Dynaboars 34-21. Kobe Steelers are going to have to reverse back-to-back defeats against Shizuoka BlueRevs if they are to make it beyond the first weekend of the Division One playoffs. Former Wallaby coach Dave Rennie's charges head into their third fixture of the season against the BlueRevs coming off a 29-23 defeat on Saturday, which added to a 15-13 loss at Shizuoka on the competition's opening day. Kobe led 20-19 shortly after halftime, but were outscored four tries to two. The winner of Saturday's opening quarter-final will play the defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who will skip the first week after overpowering Yokohama Eagles 49-28 to finish on top of the table The Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights also gained direct entry to the final four after recording their biggest win of the season, flattening Tokyo Sungoliath 60-17. They will play the winners of Sunday's match between Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay and Sungoliath. Spears ended the regular season third after Saturday's 37-14 win over Verblitz. Quade Cooper's final season in Japan Rugby League One goes on after his Hanazono Liners crushed Shuttles Aichi 38-7 to earn a shot at next week's two-legged promotion/relegation series. Needing to win to keep their hopes alive, Hanazono conceded the opening try to former Western Force and Brumbies centre Chance Peni, but held the Division Two champions scoreless for the remaining 68 minutes, with Cooper's long-time halves partner Will Genia one of the game's stars. The veteran Wallaby scrum-half scored his 10th try of the season, one behind ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns. The former Queensland Reds Super Rugby winners will face their ex-Test teammate Tom Banks in the home-and-away series after the Wallaby fullback's Mie Heat ended the regular season with a hefty 67-22 loss to seventh-placed Black Rams Tokyo on Sunday. Israel Folau and Samu Kerevi enjoyed a better return in the final match before their two-game relegation series against the Shuttles, as Urayasu D-Rocks won their third match of the season, beating Sagamihara Dynaboars 34-21. Kobe Steelers are going to have to reverse back-to-back defeats against Shizuoka BlueRevs if they are to make it beyond the first weekend of the Division One playoffs. Former Wallaby coach Dave Rennie's charges head into their third fixture of the season against the BlueRevs coming off a 29-23 defeat on Saturday, which added to a 15-13 loss at Shizuoka on the competition's opening day. Kobe led 20-19 shortly after halftime, but were outscored four tries to two. The winner of Saturday's opening quarter-final will play the defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who will skip the first week after overpowering Yokohama Eagles 49-28 to finish on top of the table The Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights also gained direct entry to the final four after recording their biggest win of the season, flattening Tokyo Sungoliath 60-17. They will play the winners of Sunday's match between Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay and Sungoliath. Spears ended the regular season third after Saturday's 37-14 win over Verblitz.
West Australian
11-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Cooper's side earn shot at Japan rugby promotion series
Quade Cooper's final season in Japan Rugby League One goes on after his Hanazono Liners crushed Shuttles Aichi 38-7 to earn a shot at next week's two-legged promotion/relegation series. Needing to win to keep their hopes alive, Hanazono conceded the opening try to former Western Force and Brumbies centre Chance Peni, but held the Division Two champions scoreless for the remaining 68 minutes, with Cooper's long-time halves partner Will Genia one of the game's stars. The veteran Wallaby scrum-half scored his 10th try of the season, one behind ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns. The former Queensland Reds Super Rugby winners will face their ex-Test teammate Tom Banks in the home-and-away series after the Wallaby fullback's Mie Heat ended the regular season with a hefty 67-22 loss to seventh-placed Black Rams Tokyo on Sunday. Israel Folau and Samu Kerevi enjoyed a better return in the final match before their two-game relegation series against the Shuttles, as Urayasu D-Rocks won their third match of the season, beating Sagamihara Dynaboars 34-21. Kobe Steelers are going to have to reverse back-to-back defeats against Shizuoka BlueRevs if they are to make it beyond the first weekend of the Division One playoffs. Former Wallaby coach Dave Rennie's charges head into their third fixture of the season against the BlueRevs coming off a 29-23 defeat on Saturday, which added to a 15-13 loss at Shizuoka on the competition's opening day. Kobe led 20-19 shortly after halftime, but were outscored four tries to two. The winner of Saturday's opening quarter-final will play the defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who will skip the first week after overpowering Yokohama Eagles 49-28 to finish on top of the table The Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights also gained direct entry to the final four after recording their biggest win of the season, flattening Tokyo Sungoliath 60-17. They will play the winners of Sunday's match between Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay and Sungoliath. Spears ended the regular season third after Saturday's 37-14 win over Verblitz.
Perth Now
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Cooper's side earn shot at Japan rugby promotion series
Quade Cooper's final season in Japan Rugby League One goes on after his Hanazono Liners crushed Shuttles Aichi 38-7 to earn a shot at next week's two-legged promotion/relegation series. Needing to win to keep their hopes alive, Hanazono conceded the opening try to former Western Force and Brumbies centre Chance Peni, but held the Division Two champions scoreless for the remaining 68 minutes, with Cooper's long-time halves partner Will Genia one of the game's stars. The veteran Wallaby scrum-half scored his 10th try of the season, one behind ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns. The former Queensland Reds Super Rugby winners will face their ex-Test teammate Tom Banks in the home-and-away series after the Wallaby fullback's Mie Heat ended the regular season with a hefty 67-22 loss to seventh-placed Black Rams Tokyo on Sunday. Israel Folau and Samu Kerevi enjoyed a better return in the final match before their two-game relegation series against the Shuttles, as Urayasu D-Rocks won their third match of the season, beating Sagamihara Dynaboars 34-21. Kobe Steelers are going to have to reverse back-to-back defeats against Shizuoka BlueRevs if they are to make it beyond the first weekend of the Division One playoffs. Former Wallaby coach Dave Rennie's charges head into their third fixture of the season against the BlueRevs coming off a 29-23 defeat on Saturday, which added to a 15-13 loss at Shizuoka on the competition's opening day. Kobe led 20-19 shortly after halftime, but were outscored four tries to two. The winner of Saturday's opening quarter-final will play the defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who will skip the first week after overpowering Yokohama Eagles 49-28 to finish on top of the table The Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights also gained direct entry to the final four after recording their biggest win of the season, flattening Tokyo Sungoliath 60-17. They will play the winners of Sunday's match between Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay and Sungoliath. Spears ended the regular season third after Saturday's 37-14 win over Verblitz.
