Wellington Rugby have confirmed the departure of out of doors again Tjay Clarke, who’s leaving New Zealand’s shores after signing with two-time defending Japan Rugby League One champions Toshiba Courageous Lupus Tokyo.
Clarke performed an integral position in Wellington’s run to the 2024 Nationwide Provincial Championship (NPC) title, beginning at both fullback or on the wing in 11 of 12 appearances, together with a strive in every of the Lions’ opening six matches.
Following a formidable provincial marketing campaign, Clarke was rewarded by the Hurricanes, placing pen to paper on a take care of the Super Rugby Pacific facet for the 2025 season. Clarke debuted for the Canes off the pine of their spherical 16 conflict with Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium.
Within the NPC, Clarke made one other six appearances in black and gold for the Lions, ending with a 63-minute shift away to Hawke’s Bay in spherical six. The dynamic again made 25 appearances for Wellington, crossing for 11 tries, and scoring a complete of 68 factors for the province.
“Tjay’s development over the previous two years has been super,” Wellington Rugby Soccer Union CEO Tony Giles mentioned in an announcement.
“He’s an thrilling, fearless participant who’s made an actual impression on and off the sphere. Whereas we’re unhappy to see him go, we’re immensely proud to see him take this subsequent step in his profession and know he’ll thrive in Japan.”
Clarke began the 2025 NPC season with three consecutive begins on the left wing, becoming a member of Losi Filipo and All Black Ruben Love within the outdoors backs for the season opener towards eventual minor premiers Canterbury in Porirua.
After shifting to the bench for the spherical 4 conflict away to Manawatu, Clarke returned to the First XV for matches towards Auckland and Hawke’s Bay. The 22-year-old scored one do that season, crossing for a five-pointer away to Waikato at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Clarke is about for a brand new chapter in Japan, signing with competitors heavyweights Toshiba, who’ve Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell of their squad. Mo’unga delivered a Participant of the Closing efficiency within the title decider final season, beating Bernard Foley’s Kubota Spears 18-13.
“I want to thank the Wellington Lions for giving me the chance to start out my rugby journey — the coaches, the boys and the followers,” Clarke mirrored.
“I’ve completely loved my time taking part in for this membership. Wellington will at all times be dwelling.”
