Has Willie le Roux said farewell to Japan?

Johannesburg – Willie le Roux’s time in Japan seems to have come to its conclusion.

The Springbok fullback posted what appears to be a farewell message on his social media account seeming to indicate that he will leave his club Toyota Verblitz.

“I’d like to thank the staff and my teammates for an epic four years,” the 33-year-old wrote on Twitter “and to our wonderful fans for always being so supportive. I appreciate the opportunity to have represented such a great team. Arigato (Thank you).”

Le Roux joined the club in 2019 and as recently as April 8 played his 50th match for the Toyota-based team, which is located on the southern coast of Japan. The Bok No.15, capped 82 times at Test level did not indicate which team he would be moving on to, but speculation online argued that he could return to Wasps to help that embattled club regain promotion to the English Premiership.

I’d like to thank the staff and my team mates for an epic 4 years and, to our wonderful fans for always being so supportive. I appreciate the opportunity to have represented such a great team, Arigato @toyotaverblitz 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/9BFKuiq1ke

— Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) April 25, 2023

Previously, Le Roux played for Wasps from 2017 to 2019. He has also plied his trade before that for the Sharks, Canon Eagles, Griquas, and the Free State Cheetahs after having started his professional career with the Boland Cavaliers in 2010.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Paul Roos old boy could finish up his career, after the Rugby World Cup in France in South Africa, in the Cape with the Stormers a possible destination. Retirement from the game is also an option after the showpiece event, which starts in September.

Le Roux is expected to form part of the squad that will travel to France to defend the Webb Ellis Cup. He played a major part in the Boks winning the championship in 2019 and played in the final when SA famously and most handsomely beat England 32-12.