Japanese rugby player Takaya Saito is joining the Southland Stags. Photos: Supplied

The Stags will have a couple of Wild Knights on the books this season.

Southland yesterday announced the signings of two Japanese players for the NPC campaign. Takaya Saito and Hayata Taniyama both hail from the Saitama Wild Knights, who qualified second for the Japan Rugby League One playoffs with a 16-2 record before being upset in the semifinals.

Saito, 25, was the regular first five for Saitama, whose pack was led by former Otago prop Craig Millar.

Taniyama, 24, had a handful of games at centre during the Japanese season.

The Stags always get creative when it comes to filling their NPC roster and their latest link is wider than rugby.

The Wild Knights are based in Kumagaya City, which has had a sister-city relationship with Invercargill since 1993.

Hayata Taniyama.

Stags coach Scott Eade welcomed the partnership and the opportunity it created for both the Wild Knights players and, in time, Southland’s own players who aspired to play professional rugby.

“This partnership creates a genuine two-way opportunity for player development, providing players from Kumagaya and Southland with a meaningful pathway to experience and grow across our unique cultures and team environments,” Eade said.

“We’re excited to welcome both Takaya and Hayata into our team. Their professionalism and experience will aid in the development of both them and the players around them in our squad.”

Saito said he was eager to embrace the opportunity to play in the NPC.

“Sincere gratitude goes out to everyone at Rugby Southland and Wild Knights for giving me this opportunity.

“My goal is to make every single day count alongside Hayata, pushing the limits both on and off the field.”

The Stags’ other signings for the NPC include Western Force prop Sef Fa’agase, Moana Pasifika winger Glen Vaihu, and former Waikato halfback and Otago Boys’ High School head boy Charlie Marsh.

Southland have also re-signed key men, including No8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and midfield back Scott Gregory, but the exciting Faletoi Peni has gone to France.

The Stags finished second-bottom in the NPC last season.