Junior Springboks star Damian Markus has signed a deal with Japan Rugby League One team the Shizuoka Blue Revs.

The former South African U20s back has completed a successful trial at the club after leaving Cape Town after a strong campaign in the 2024 Currie Cup.

Damian Markus heads to Japan

He will now link up with Springboks loose forward Kwagga Smith who is the captain of the Shizuoka Blue Revs, with Markus offering versatility on the wing and in the centres.

Fellow South African and former Western Province flanker Simon Miller is also on the club’s payroll as is ex-All Blacks and current Tongan back Charles Piutau.

“I am very happy to be joining the Shizuoka Blue Revs,” Markus said in a club statement.

“All my teammates and staff have welcomed me warmly, and I like Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, because it is a very calm place and I can switch between on and off quickly. I will continue to work hard to become a great player and a great person in this city.”

Markus made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province last year and was a standout for the side during this year’s campaign. He also featured for the Junior Springboks in the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2023.

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The centre went viral during the tournament with the Junior Springboks scoring a wonderful solo try and later that year he was nominated for the Junior Springbok Player of the Year along with Corne Beets and Paul de Villiers.

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Stormers’ transfer news

Markus’ departure follows the news that Stormers scrum-half Herschel Jantjies will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join French side Bayonne. It is rumoured that fellow Springboks half-back Cobus Reinach will be heading to Cape Town to fill Jantjies’ void.

Furthermore, reports in South Africa state the Stormers have been unsuccessful in their bid to sign Lions star Sanele Nohamba while it is understood that English back Ben Loader will be returning to the Premiership possibly joining Saracens.

It is also reported that the Stormers are targetting Sharks prop Nthuthuko Mchunu as a back-up to Steven Kitshoff after the Bok front-rower’s neck surgery.

READ MORE: SA Rugby pay tribute to ex-Springboks head coach and ‘tough-as-nails lock’ following his passing

Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/junior-springboks-star-joins-kwagga-smith-in-japan-after-western-province-exit