Australia international Marika Koroibete to join Saitama Wild Knights

Marika Koroibete will become the latest Australian player to head to Japan after signing a contract with Saitama Wild Knights.

The 29-year-old will be linking up with the Wild Knights joining fellow Australians Dylan Riley and loose forwards Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter ahead of the Japan Rugby League One that kicks-off on 7th January.

Koroibete switched codes to rugby union in 2017 and made his debut for provincial side Melbourne Rising with his Super Rugby debut for Rebels coming in the same year making 69 appearances for them.

He went on to make his international debut for Australia in September 2017 against Argentina and has gone on to play 37 times for his country including four appearances in the 2019 World Cup.

“I am very excited to be joining Saitama from the 2022 season. I have been a big fan of the growing game in Japan and enjoyed my time in the country for the 2019 Rugby World Cup,” Koroibete said.

“I am looking forward to joining a very successful organisation that strives for greatness and working hard to ensure continue to win titles.

“I have heard great things about Robbie Deans coaching and have had pleasant experiences in our brief chats so far. I cannot wait to join Robbie’s coaching staff and the rest of the team, train hard and get the fans off their seats.

“My family and I are excited to arrive in Japan and experience more of the country’s great culture whilst playing some great rugby with an exciting team, great coaching staff, successful organisation and thriving rugby competition.”