Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has signed for Japanese Top League team NTT Communications Shining Arcs.
The Chiba-based outfit announced the capture of Laidlaw – who skippered his country a record 39 times – from French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne this morning.
The 34-year-old scrum-half retired from international duty last December, with his final test coming at the Rugby World Cup against Japan in Yokohama.
He said: “I’m very pleased and proud to have joined the NTT Communications Shining Arcs.
“At the national match held in Japan in 2016, and at the World Cup Japan Tournament last year, I was able to experience the wonderful culture of Japan. We were able to meet wonderful fans.
“Every time I visit Japan, you are welcomed with a wonderful hospitality and I look forward to living in this wonderful country.
“I have played with different teams and look forward to continuing my rugby career with the Shining Arcs.
“In addition to giving back to the team what I have learned and experienced, I would like to learn about the rugby culture of this wonderful country.
“I’m really looking forward to playing rugby in Japan.”
Laidlaw was capped 76 times for Scotland, scoring 714 points – ranked second all-time behind Chris Paterson.
The Jedburgh native, nephew of another Scotland scrum-half legend Roy Laidlaw, made his international debut against New Zealand at Murrayfield in November 2010.
The 2021 Top League campaign is scheduled to return in January.