Former No. 1 MLR Draft pick Sherman joins Red Hurricanes Osaka alongside Fiji centre Tamanivalu

Will Sherman, selected first overall in the 2025 Major League Rugby Draft, has left Anthem Rugby Carolina to join Red Hurricanes Osaka, the Japan Rugby League One club confirmed on August 25. The UCLA lock is one of four new signings unveiled by the Osaka-based side.

Sherman made 10 appearances for Anthem during his debut MLR season, starting six of those matches. The second-rower was a two-time All-American at UCLA and served as vice-captain on a USA Rugby U23 tour of South Africa before turning professional. His most complete performance in the MLR came in a round 11 clash with Old Glory DC, where he played the full 80 minutes for the first time at that level.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Red Hurricanes Osaka. I feel honoured to be a part of such a wonderful team,” Sherman said. “I look forward to learning and growing from my teammates, coaching staff, and everyone involved with the team. I also have high expectations for experiencing the wonderful city and culture of Osaka.”

Joining Sherman is Seta Tamanivalu, a centre who has been representing Fiji internationally and moves to Osaka from Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo — the club that won the Japan Rugby League One first division title in 2024/25. Tamanivalu had been with Brave Lupus since the 2021/22 season and made his Fiji debut during that same period.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Red Hurricanes Osaka. I would like to thank everyone on the team for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and I feel honoured that they have trusted me and welcomed me,” Tamanivalu said, adding that he was looking forward to relocating to Osaka with his family.

The quartet of new signings is completed by former Queensland Reds lock Cormac Daly, who arrives after a stint with Yokohama Canon Eagles, and Japanese front-rower Wataru Furuya. The four arrivals represent a significant reshaping of the Red Hurricanes roster ahead of the new Japan Rugby League One campaign.