Kurt-Lee Arendse: Boks’ open selection policy prompted Japan return
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Springboks star Kurt-Lee Arendse is aiming to power last season’s basement outfit Mitsubishi Dynaboars to a play-off spot next season after being unveiled for his second spell with the club.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner enjoyed a strong campaign with Glenn Delaney’s Sagamihara-based side in the 2024-2025 season, scoring seven tries in 12 games and helping the club to a ninth-place finish.
Arendse, who attended Japan’s game against Fiji on Saturday with teammate and countryman Lukhanyo Am, returned to see out his contract with the Bulls last season and secured a runners-up medal as the South African side lost out to Leinster in
URC Grand Final in June.
Mitsubishi struggled in his absence as they finished bottom in division one with 14 defeats in 18 games and only retained their top-flight status by besting division two champions Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi over a two-leg relegation/promotion play-off.
Former Blitzboks ace Arendse has bold ambitions for his eagerly-awaited return to League One and revealed that the Springboks’ flexible selection policy helped him to decide to return to Japan.
“I don’t think it was a tough decision because I’m still eligible to play for South Africa while I’m here,” he told RugbyJP.
“My focus is to enjoy my time here with the Dynaboars and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to play at the World Cup.
“For now, I just want to enjoy the game of rugby and ensure that I perform and give best when I play.”
The box office speedster, who started at full-back in nine out of his 12 games during his first stint with Mitsubishi, is aiming lead to lead an ambitious push for a top-six play-off spot.
“We’ll definitely try and make the play-offs,” said the Western Cape native who was introduced alongside new signings, English lock Tim Cardall and Australian fly-half Jack Bowen.
“That’s the goal for the club. Last season, the margins of the scores in most losses were close.”
Arendse shared his gratitude for Mitsubishi who famously lured Wales' former World Player of The Year Shane Williams to see out his career in the-then Top League from 2012-2015.
“The Dynaboars gave me the opportunity to play in League One so for me to be back here, I’m really grateful. I want to contribute and give my best for the team.
“I want to grow every day, I want to help the players around me to get better and eventually the whole team to get better.”
The returning Springbok is one of a host of world-class players joining the competition for the 2026-2027 season with Saitama Wild Knights-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suntory Sungoliath arrival James Lowe among the new faces for the sixth League One season.
RugbyJP.com asked Arendse if he’s looking forward to testing himself against players of the calibre of cross-code superstar Nawaqanitawase for his club.
“I’m just looking forward to playing with (teammates) Jack and Tim and the team,” quipped the South African.
“The league is very competitive now, I’m looking forward to being out there with the boys.”
Arendse made the decision himself to return to Sagamihara in September to reacclimatise to Japan before resuming Nations Championship duties with his country.
The 2025 Rugby Championship winner is one of eight signings for new-look Mitsubishi as former Scarlets head coach Delaney, who spent six years as a player in Japan in the 90s, has led a major recruitment drive.
Arendse is impressed by the new players he’s been training with over the last four weeks and signed off from the press conference with a message for the club’s supporters.
“We’ve recruited a good group of players. We want to play a good brand of rugby.
“I’d like to see the fans come out and support us. I’ve been out on my bicycle and I’ve been meeting and speaking to fans and it’s good to be back.
“I can’t wait for the Japanese season to start.”
Mitsubishi Dynaboars host Jesse Kriel’s Yokohama Canon Eagles in the Kanagawa derby in round one on Sunday 13 December.
