Horie joins Melbourne Rebels rugby club

Shame he couldn't get picked up by a better franchise. Rebels are the armpit of Aussie super rugby but good on Horie for getting the contract. Tanaka's worth will grow under Jamie but Horie will be out of the spotlight.

agreed - Rebels are pudding. Tanaka's a feisty little player, but essentially he is the 3rd choice and has the incumbent AB #9 in his way. Still the training and professionalism will be great for him. NZ's ITM Cup also featured a few Japanese refs. This is great, I have been pointing out for years the exceptionally poor standard of Japanese refs. Exposure to the world's premier rugby country and its ref-systems can only enhance Japanese officials. Still they'll likely be ostracised or told off for their ref'ing when they return - I worry about RWC2019