USA Eagles backrower and captain, Todd Clever is to stay in Japan to continue his professional career after having signed a contract to play for the NTT Shining Arcs in the Japanese Top League. His two year contract with Suntory Sungoliath has done its course and his profile, following two solid seasons in Japan and performances for the United Sates of America has seen his name grow to the extent that he was able to negotiate a better paid deal. Rugby Site, Rugbymag quotes Clever as saying "I had a couple great season with Suntory Sungoliath winning both Top League and Japan Cup Trophies. I am leaving on good terms and will remain close to the Suntory Family," Clever said in a statement released on his website. "I had a tough decision to make on where I was going to play next year, a lot of things played factor in my signing with NTT. I am happy with all the terms and look forward to joining my new team."
NTT Shining Arcs RFC is owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Top League Competition. The current coach is Masato Hayashi, The team is based in Ichikawa city, Chiba. The ShiningArcs won promotion to the expanded Top League of 14 teams at the end of the 2009-10 season. Clever will join Isaac Ross from New Zealand and Darren Murphy from Australia. Other signings are expected at NTT.
The Shining Arcs finished 9th in the Top League this season. Clever is expected to join the team for the Japan Cup knockout competition this spring. It is to be his third club as a professional after previously having lpayed Super Rugby in South Africa with the Lions before joining Suntory Sungoliath.
No comments:
Post a Comment