Canberra star Jordan Rapana is set for a shock code switch to play rugby union in Japan, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

It is believed that the winger is likely to join the Panasonic Wild Knights, who are coached by former Wallabies and Crusaders mentor Robbie Deans.

Off-contract at the end of the season, Rapana is reportedly keen on the move, having received underwhelming offers from the Raiders compared to several cashed-up overseas clubs.

It is understood that he has not ruled out a return to the NRL following his overseas stint.

The 30-year old has previously played the 15-man code, signing with the Western Force in 2012 and playing for the Palmyra Rugby Union Club in Western Australia.

He moved to Canberra the following season eyeing a spot at the Brumbies, but was signed by the Raiders in 2014.

An announcement about Rapana's impending exit is not expected to be made until after the club's finals campaign.

2 COMMENTS

  1. With a backline of
    1. CNK
    2. Cotric
    3. Crocker
    4. Leilua
    5. Simonsson

    I don’t think it would be that big a loss. Micheal Oldfield is a good back up outside back. In his 18 games for the Raiders he has scored 13 tries. Simonsson has really started to step up his game this year and I think he would only get better with more starts.

    Side note: with George Williams coming next year to partner Jack Wighton in the halves you’d think someone would leave. Sam Williams I don’t believe has been signed for next year and Aiden Sezers deal expires end of next year making him eligible to talk to clubs on November 1st. I would suggest keeping Williams as the back up and letting Sezer walk saving the club salary cap space. You’d then think with Sezer gone and Rapana leaving that’s cleared a big chuck of room. With you backs and halves set for next year maybe the club then goes in after another forward to add to its pack. Regan Campbell-Gillard and Christian Welch would be good targets at around that 500/600k mark.

  2. Agreed but I think if those players go I think they will focus more on player retention then recruitment. Got a stack of young kids there with high potential and and a couple of star who could be looking for a upgrade in there contract.

    You have Corey Horsburgh, Jack Murchie, Emre Guler, Simonsson and that grub Hudson Young aswell as the English contingent could be asking for contract upgrades.

    As for the article farewell Rapana you have been a fantastic competitor and formed one of the funnest duos to watch these past couple years with Should kill it in Japan and deserves to go for the money at this stage of his career.

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