Club-less Los Pumas star lands a new team after a standout World Cup
Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez during after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Argentina at Stade de Marseille.
Veteran Los Pumas star flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has signed with Japanese Rugby League One side Suntory Sungoliath.
The 35-year-old has been without a club since the end of the 2022/23 French Top 14 season when he was not offered a contract extension at Brive.
The club was relegated from the top-flight tournament in France, and despite some stellar performance during the World Cup, he was unable to secure a contract in Europe.
Sanchez handed a lifeline
However, on Friday, Suntory Sungoliath announced the signing of the Argentina star as injury cover for Gareth Anscombe.
Anscombe joined the Japanese club from the Ospreys ahead of the new Japanese Rugby League One season. The Welsh international has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and was also ruled out of Wales’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
His injury woes have continued as he has failed to make a single league appearance for Suntory.
He has subsequently been de-registered by Suntory to allow the club to sign Sanchez as injury cover due to the competition’s restrictions over foreign players.
“I am very excited to start a new experience at Tokyo Sungoliath, a club with a glorious history and excellence,” Sanchez said in a club statement confirming his signing.
“I think playing in League One will be a great challenge given the great team and players we have. Japan is a country that I have great respect for. It has a fascinating culture, and the people are very kind and respectful. I think it will be a great experience for our whole family.
“I am a Sungoliath and I would like to share my experience with you. I want to pour my energy into the team and contribute.”
Sanchez heads to Japan with a wealth of experience, having played for French clubs Bordeaux Bègles, Toulon and Stade Francais before his stint at Brive.
He also played three seasons in Super Rugby with the Jaguares and represented his country at four Rugby World Cups, racking up 104 caps for Los Pumas.
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