Offaly native Jack Regan is set for an intriguing move to Japanese side Toyota Industry Shuttles Aichi.
Regan, a former Ireland U20 international, makes the bold move with immediate effect, having fallen out of favour in Swansea in recent months.
The Birr man came through the ranks with Leinster at underage level, before a brief spell with Ulster in the late 2010s - his debut coming in a heavy defeat to his old club in December 2019.
Having departed Ulster, he ventured across the glove to sign with the representative team of Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup in New Zealand. Strong performances for Otago saw him drafted in for the region's Super Rugby team, the Highlanders, in 2021, and he made his debut in that year's Super Rugby campaign.
Months later, he would return to Europe to sign with Welsh side Ospreys in the URC - but he is set to once again venture east to take on the Japanese league.
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Ex-Leinster man Jack Regan makes move to Japan
8 October 2022; Jack Regan of Ospreys during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The Toyota Industry Shuttles Aichi - also known as simply the 'Shokki Shuttles' - announced the arrival of Jack Regan on Wednesday.
Irish lock Regan joins the Division 2 side for the remainder of the 2023-24 Japan Rugby League season, and his arrival was announced alongside that of full-back Kento Grateley.
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On the club's official website, Regan said of his move:
I'm happy to be joining the Shuttles and excited to experience Japanese culture. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates, coaches and supporters and am determined to do my best to move the team forward.
He joins former England fly-half Freddie Burns and Samoan international Tusi Pisi at the Shokki Shuttles.
Regan's father Daithí was part of the great Offaly hurling team of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Daithí Regan started in midfield in the dramatic 1994 All-Ireland final, which Offaly won from five points down after a dramatic 2-5 scoring burst in the closing moments of the game.
Irish players making the move to Japan is a rare occurrence, making Regan Jr a unique case. Former Munster back-row Paddy Butler is among those currently plying their trade in Rugby League One, with the Mie Honda Heat.
We will certainly be taking an increased interest in the Japanese league with the news of Jack Regan's impending arrival.
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