Super Rugby
Melbourne Rebels sign Japan international Kotaro Matsushima
AAP
February 6, 2016
© Richard Heathcote - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Kotaro Matsushima will be the fourth Japan international to play for Melbourne Rebels in as many years having signed for the 2016 Super Rugby season, following in the footsteps of Shota Horie, Male Sau and Keita Inagaki.

Matsushima, who can play wing, centre or full-back, started all of Japan's four Rugby World Cup matches last year, including the upset victory over his native-born South Africa. He has scored six tries in 16 international appearances.

"I am very excited to have this great opportunity for the second straight year [in Super Rugby]," said Matsushima, who signed with the Waratahs last year but never played a game

"I know that this challenge with the Rebels will help me grow and improve my rugby skills."

Matsushima will join the Rebels on a short-term contract at the end of February from Japanese Top League club Suntory Sungoliath.

© AAP

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