Aviva Premiership
Flutey set for Japan switch?
ESPNscrum Staff
April 2, 2012
Wasps' Riki Flutey celebrates scoring a try, London Wasps v Northampton Saints, Adams Park, Wycombe, England, November 6, 2011
Are Riki Flutey's days at Adams Park numbered? © Getty Images
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Wasps and England centre Riki Flutey looks set to turn his back on the Aviva Premiership side and take up a contract in Japan.

With the yen proving a constant lure to many of rugby's top stars - with the likes of Ma'a Nonu, Fourie du Preez and James Haskell all opting for a switch to Japan - New Zealand-born inside centre Flutey is reportedly set to leave Adams Park at the end of the season and move to the Ricoh Black Rams.

Flutey last turned out for England prior to the 2011 World Cup and has struggled to find the same sort of form this season which saw him earn a British & Irish Lions Test cap back in 2009. His second spell with Wasps - with a move to Brive breaking up his stay at Adams Park - has been interrupted by injury and The Rugby Paper reports that a source close to Flutey claims he has agreed terms to move abroad.

"He [Flutey] spoke with Leon [Holden - former Wasps coach and now coach of Ricoh Black Rams] last year to see if he would be interested and that contact was followed up.

"The appeal is obvious - it is a nine-game season and the money on offer is on a par or above what clubs in France can offer.

"It is a new lifestyle and culture and would move him nearer to New Zealand."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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