Exclusive: Five Rugby World Cup Finalists Headline Japan Rugby League One’s Team of the Season
Following the thrilling conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) has announced its esteemed Team of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign. Notably, five players who featured in the tournament’s grand finale have been included in this prestigious lineup.
Headlining the team is none other than All Blacks superstar Richie Mo’unga, who has been named the JRLO’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after guiding his Toshiba Brave Lupus squad to their first league title in 14 years. Mo’unga’s impressive performances have earned him the coveted number 10 jersey in the Team of the Season.
Joining Mo’unga are fellow All Black and Toshiba Brave Lupus teammate Shannon Frizell, who has been selected in the backrow. Another RWC finalist, Ardie Savea of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, has also been included in the team’s loose forward contingent.
Springboks stars Damian de Allende and Lood de Jager, who represented the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the World Cup final, have both been named in the Team of the Season. De Allende will line up in the midfield, with De Jager claiming a spot in the second row.
Rounding out the team are a host of talented Japanese and international players, including Ricoh Black Rams’ Australian fullback Isaac Lucas, Suntory Sungoliath’s Seiya Ozaki and Shizuoka Blue Revs’ Malo Tuitama on the wings, and Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights’ Yuta Takagi at scrumhalf.
This star-studded team showcases the depth and quality of the JRLO, with several of the world’s best players plying their trade in Japan’s top domestic competition. As the 2023/24 season kicks off, rugby enthusiasts can expect an electrifying display of talent and skill from this exceptional group of athletes.
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