Rugby: All Black bound for Japan

Sosene Anesi. Photo / Getty Images

Waikato and former Chiefs utility back Sosene Anesi is poised to join Japanese club NTT Communications at the end of the Super rugby season.

The one-test All Black, who has been unable to force his way into the Waratahs match-day squad so far this year, announced his latest career move shortly before New South Wales played the Chiefs at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight.

The 29 year-old, a 103 game veteran for Waikato, is seen as a replacement for former Wallabies fullback Mark Gerrard, who returned to Australia to become a foundation member of the Melbourne Rebels.

Anesi joined the Waratahs last year as a marquee player but was soon displaced at fullback by Kurtley Beale, who progressed to make the No.15 jersey his own at international level.

It was considered a surprise when Waratahs coach Chris Hickey renewed Anesi's contract for 2011 - since then the 29 year-old has been consigned to training duties.

Anesi made 12 appearances for the Waratahs last year but has been unable to break into a test-quality back three comprising Beale, Drew Mitchell and Lachlan Turner seven rounds into the 2011 tournament.

NTT Communications is also the former club of 2002 All Black loose forward Brad Mika, who left Japan to rejoin the Blues this year.

- NZPA