AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONALS WILL Genia and Quade Cooper will leave the Rebels for second-tier Japanese side Kintetsu Liners.
Genia is not expected to link up with his new team-mates until after the Rugby World Cup in Japan, though Cooper could move sooner having been omitted from the Wallabies squad for their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa.
The duo have joined other high-profile players like Kieran Read, Duane Vermeulen and Brodie Retallick in agreeing moves to the Asian nation.
“I am very much looking forward to joining Kintetsu Liners. I want to play right away as part of a team with a long history and tradition,” Genia said in a club statement.
“My goal is to do my best for the club and to help Kintetsu Liners become the best rugby team in Japan. It is a great honour to be able to contribute to this team.”
Cooper added: “I will work hard to help the team achieve its goal of returning to the Top League. In addition, I will do my best to be able to contribute more when we get there.
“I want to challenge rugby in Japan and I can still contribute on the pitch. I appreciate this opportunity.”
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I would hope to see that Aidan O Shea that played full forward v Donegal in Croker tomorrow. Devastating if supplied with early ball. No Dublin back will stop him legally. It’s Mayo’s main chance of real reward. Out field will be a really tuff place for us but if early ball goes into full forward line regularly, we have a decent chance.
@Noel Lynn: totally agree catch them on the hop there not great under high ball o Connor next to him !! Goals galore , but also depends on the ref the likes of cooper are getting away with way to much !!
@Paddy D: did he not get sent of in the first final last year? Doesn’t get away with anything paddy. Cavan pumped high ball after high ball into the square in the semi final & Dublin cleaned up