Former Waikato rugby player Semisi Masirewa named in Japan squad

Semisi Masirewa of Waikato makes a break against Taranaki at Waikato Stadium in 2013. Photo / Anthony Au-Yeung / Photosport

Former Waikato rugby wing and fullback Semisi Masirewa has been named in Japan's squad that will face the British and Irish Lions in Edinburgh next month – an early birthday present before he turns 29 on June 9.

Masirewa moved to New Zealand from Fiji in 2010 after receiving a scholarship to Whanganui High School.

His final year of school saw him head to Feilding High School due to another scholarship.

The former Morrinsville Sports flyer played 11 times for Waikato in 2013, scoring five tries before being loaned to the Manawatū Turbos for 2014-2015 where he appeared 12 times for the province as well as playing sevens.

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Posted by ラグビー日本代表 on Wednesday, June 2, 2021

He was named in the 2016 Perth-based Western Force side where he made his Super Rugby debut. Over two seasons he appeared 17 times for the team.

Since then Masirewa has been plying his trade in the Japan Top League with the Kintetsu Liners.

Masirewa is among the 36-man squad which consists of 19 players who featured in Japan's run to the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago, including captain and former Chiefs player Michael Leitch.

Former Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Hurricanes lock Mark Abbott has also been named in the squad alongside former Otago and Highlanders prop Craig Millar.

Masirewa, Leitch, Abbott and Millar have all represented ex-Super Rugby side the Sunwolves.

Masirewa scored three tries in the Sunwolves' first ever win on Australian soil in 2019.

Japan will face the Lions in Edinburgh on June 26 before taking on Ireland in Dublin on July 3.