Bristol Bears flanker Sam Jeffries has been unveiled today as the latest signing of the Japanese Rugby League One club Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo.
Jeffries, 30, was on the verge of signing a contract extension with Bristol Bears but late in the day 'a life-changing' offer came in from overseas which he accepted. Jeffries left the club having made 61 first-team appearances over seven seasons at Ashton Gate. Upon confirming his departure, director of rugby Pat Lam hailed Jeffries as 'an insipiration' after the Academy graduate took a prolonged break from the professional game in 2019 due to a knee injury, joining the club’s backroom staff on secondment as Professional Development Manager, while continuing to rehabilitate only to make an unexpected return to first-team playing duties in 2021.
In the summer of 2022, Jeffires was called up for England’s tour of Australia by Eddie Jones, a former Tokyo Sungoliath head coach, after an impressive domestic campaign with the Bears, however, he did not end up earning a cap.
Jeffries follows former teammate Charles Piutau in moving to Japan to play his rugby, with the former All Blacks full-back running out for the Shizuoka BlueRevs after the Rugby World Cup where he will represent Tonga having switched international allegiances.
Jeffries said: "I am thrilled to be joining Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo. A prestigious team with a history of rugby excellence. I am excited to contribute to the team and push for rugby success."
Jeffries was one of five new players announced by the five time champions of the Top League, along with Trevor Hosea, Tamati Ioane, Sione Lavemai and Joe Kamana.
The highest profile overseas player currently in the Tokyo Sungoliath squad is All Black fly-half Aaron Cruden, but ex-players include Bristol Bears duo George Smith and Tusi Pisi.
