Toshiba announces four new signings
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League One champions Toshiba Brave Lupus have bolstered their squad with four new signings as they aim for an unprecedented third successive title in 2026.
Todd Blackadder’s star-laden side has added four new signings with their primary concern being to add cover for Japanese stars Mamoru Harada and Warner Dearns who are leaving to joining Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes respectively.
Veteran hooker Andrew Makalio, 33, has arrived from Hanazono Kintetsu Liners. The 33-year-old, who can also play prop, played for the Crusaders and Highlanders in Super Rugby and has also represented the New Zealand Barbarians, the Barbarians and an All Blacks XV.
Makalio makes the move from Osaka to Fuchu after two seasons with the Liners. He made 10 appearances in the 2023-2024 campaign but missed the whole of last season due to injury.
Australian lock Callum MacDonald, 25, has joined from Fuchu rivals Suntory Sungoliath.
The towering 6ft 8inc former Brumbies youth product initially joined the Shining Arcs (now Urayasu D-Rocks) in 2021 for one year before making the move to Suntory.
Queensland native MacDonald found his playing opportunities limited over three seasons at underperforming Suntory.
Japan-qualified lock Michael Stolberg, 33, excelled for Black Rams Tokyo last season as one of the league’s standout second-rows.
The hulking 6ft 8inc Australia-born stalwart, who also hails from Queensland, has plied his trade in Japan since 2016.
After six years with the Kintetsu Liners, where he was mentored by Japan legend Luke Thompson, the former Sunwolves and Rebels man joined the Rams in 2022 and established himself as an integral player. Stolberg, who has regularly spoken of his desire to play for Japan, finished 10th in the standings for tackles made last season (204) and led the division for lineouts won (94).
His former Rams colleague Netani Vakayalia, 27, is the fourth and final new recruit for the back-to-back champions.
Fiji-born wing Vakayalia, a Japan sevens international, has also made the move to Fuchu.
The explosive winger, who crossed four times last season, scored 24 tries in 48 appearances for the Rams who he turned pro with in 2018.
Vakayalia should thrive in the championship-winning environment alongside countryman and the division’s top scorer Jone Naikabula.
Makalio said: “I am very excited and looking forward to this new season with the new team. Me and my family are very excited to meet you all.”
MacDonald commented: “I’m truly honoured to be joining Toshiba Brave Lupus. Becoming part of such a prestigious and successful club is a privilege that I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m very much looking forward to beginning training, getting to know my new teammates, and embracing the team culture.”
Stolberg said: “I am so excited to be joining the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo this season. I’m very grateful to Toshiba for the opportunity to represent a company with such a strong and proud history in the competition.”
Vakayalia commented: “I am really grateful to be given this exciting opportunity. Thank you to the management and coaching staff for showing trust in me. I can’t wait to join the Toshiba family.”
