The Hanazono Kintetsu Liners have confirmed the signing of three South Africans ahead of the 2025-26 Japan Rugby League One season.

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok (previously with the Stormers), lock/loose forward Ryno Pieterse (Grenoble) and centre Burger Odendaal (Northampton Saints) will further their careers in Higashiosaka, Osaka.

Libbok was targeted as a replacement for Wallabies veteran Quade Cooper, who recently left the club after six seasons, and could form a potent halfback partnership with former Aussie scrumhalf Will Genia.

In May, the Liners lost their two-match promotion-relegation tie against the Mie Honda Heat 58-44 on aggregate to remain in Division Two for the 2025-26 season, which starts in December and ends in June.

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