The Western Force have signed Japan winger Akihito Yamada for the upcoming Super Rugby season.
With each Australian franchise now permitted to recruit one Japanese player in addition to their 35-man senior squad, Yamada joins the Force as a concessional signing on a one-year deal.
The 29-year-old has scored eight tries in 10 Tests since making his international debut last year, with his finest performance coming in May when he ran in four tries in a 62-5 win over Korea.
Yamada has also scored 58 tries over four seasons for Panasonic Wild Knights, who currently sit on top of Japan's Top League.
The 181cm, 90kg winger will link up with the Force once the Wild Knights' season is over.
"Aki is an attacking wing or fullback who has demonstrated an ability to find the try line," Force coach Michael Foley said.
"While he's played international rugby for Japan, he's keen to keep improving and has expressed a desire to challenge for a place in the match squad."
Japan and Argentina will both feature teams in an expanded Super Rugby competition in 2016.
The Force narrowly missed out on a finals berth last season, but they'll be looking to get their campaign off to a flying start when they take on the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on February 15.
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