Several Saffas to join Ackermann’s Japan club

Tyler Paul, Franco Marais, Ruan Vermaak and Makazole Mapimpi will all form part of former Lions coach Johan Ackermann’s NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes side in Japan.

Paul makes the move from the Sharks, while Mapimpi will be joining the Red Hurricanes on a short-term deal before returning to the Durban-based side in April 2021.

READ: Mapimpi set for Japan ‘sabbatical’

Marais is another player who plied his trade for the Sharks, before making the move to Gloucester where he also played under Ackermann before the ex-Lions coach left his post at the English club recently.

New Zealander Tom Marshall and Wales’ international Owen Williams are other recruits to Ackermann’s team.

Meanwhile, centre Ben Saunders will switch from Toyota Industries Shuttles to the Red Hurricanes, while flyhalf Ei Kawamukai joins from Kubota Spears.

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