"Life-changing opportunity" - Eddie Jones signs two English players for his Japanese club
Rugby NewsFriday, 23 June 2023 at 11:38
Suntory Goliath, where Eddie Jones remains a central figure have confirmed the signing of two English players.
The Japanese club, previously linked with a move for Manu Tuilagi, revealed a flurry of new signings in a recent announcement.
Firstly, Sam Jeffries, hailing from Bristol Bears, has officially joined the team. His selection to the England squad on 30th June 2022 as injury cover for Charlie Ewels during the Australia tour showcased his talent.
Sam, an Academy graduate, took an extended hiatus from the professional game in 2019 due to a knee injury. However, he remained actively involved with the club's backroom staff, assuming the role of Professional Development Manager while undergoing rehabilitation.
Making his return to first-team duties in 2021, Sam's exceptional performance earned him a spot on England's tour of Australia in the summer of 2022.
Commenting on the signing, Director of Rugby Pat Lam expressed, "Sam was all set to sign an extension to remain at the Bears when, at the last minute, he received a life-changing opportunity from overseas. Unfortunately, given the salary cap reduction in the Premiership, we were unable to match the offer."
Sam's remarkable journey, overcoming a career-threatening injury to represent England, serves as an inspiration and testament to his unwavering dedication and professionalism.
"He has made a significant impact on the Bears, both on and off the field. We extend our best wishes to him and his fiancé Suzie as they embark on their next chapter together," added Pat Lam.
Furthermore, former Saracens player Hayden Thompson-Stringer has also joined Suntory Goliath, following successful stints in France with Brive and La Rochelle.
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20 PLAYERS SWAPPING NATIONS FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP (via Wales Online)
Fiji
- Seta Tamanivalu (New Zealand) -
made Fiji debut during last year's Pacific Nations Cup
Italy
- Dino Lamb (England)
- Paolo Odogwu (England)
Paolo Odogwu of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship, 127th Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 6 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Samoa
- Christian Leali’ifano (Australia)
- Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand)
- Steven Luatua (New Zealand)
- Lima Sopoaga (New Zealand)
- Titi Lamositele (USA)
Steven Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Wasps and Bristol Bears at Ricoh Arena on 10 October. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher
South Africa
- Jean Kleyn (Ireland)
Scotland
- Jack Dempsey (Australia) - made Scotland debut in October
Tonga
- Adam Coleman (Australia)
- Israel Folau (Australia) - made Tonga debut last year
- Lopeti Timani (Australia) - made Tonga debut in 2021
- Malakai Fekitoa (New Zealand) - made Tonga debut last year
- Charles Piutau (New Zealand) - made Tonga debut last year
- Vaea Fifita (New Zealand) - made Tonga debut last year
- George Moala (New Zealand)
- Augustine Pulu (New Zealand Sevens)
- Tau Koloamatangi (New Zealand/ Hong Kong) - made Tonga debut last year
Wales
- Henry Thomas (England)
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