photo: New England Free Jacks

Kensuke Hatakeyama returns to Japan with Toyota Shokki

Kensuke Hatakayema has returned to Japan to play for Toyota Shokki in the third division of the newly-created Japan League One. The 36-year-old tighthead prop and long-time Brave Blossoms starter departs Major League Rugby after two seasons with the New England Free Jacks.

A popular figure off the pitch, Hatakeyama’s contributions on it were severely limited by injuries during his time in Boston. In the shortened 2020 campaign he started two games, while this past season he managed just six replacement appearances.

The Free Jacks already have three returning tightheads contracted for the 2022 season. First choice No3 Erich de Jager is joined by Quentin Newcomer and Spencer Krueger. Newcomer also spent significant time at loosehead in 2021 following the injury to Sef Fa’agase.

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