Jimmy is going to Japan

[Thequeerone]

Today's West has finally cleared up the mystery of Jimmy Hilgendorf's early release from his contract.

He has been offered a chance to go to Japan on a 3 year deal. At the end of 3 years he will become a naturalised Japan citizen and qualify to play for Japan in RWC 2011.

Good onya - have fun enjoy the sushi - shame really thought he would make a fantastic commentator.

[Ecky]

Just finished reading that very article.

Good luck to him - he was The Find in our first season, then no bugger got injured for him to retain his spot.

Good Luck Jimmy

[lozenga]

goood luck jimmyyy!!!

[Darren]

Ganbatte kudasai, Jimmy-san!

[laura]

Who will I randomly bump into around Subi now??

Good luck Jimmy, enjoy the sashimi & look forward to watching you play the Wallabies at the RWC!!

[laura]

Hilgendorf signs to play in Japan
DAVE HUGHES
9 May 2008


Western Force yesterday granted fly-half Jimmy Hilgendorf an early contract release so he could make a bid to represent Japan at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Hilgendorf revealed yesterday he had signed a deal with Osaka club Kintetsu after being told he would qualify to play for Japan having played three seasons in the nation’s first division.

“I start there in three weeks and that gives me a shot at the World Cup,” said Hilgendorf, who started 15 matches for the Force in 2006 and 2007.

“It’s a big call for me but with Matt Giteau concentrating on No. 10 now, I can’t see too much future in Perth.

“There’s a huge career opportunity for me if I move quickly. If I went to Europe I’d just be playing club rugby every week, but this Japanese deal has a pretty spectacular possibility at the end of it.”

To live his dream, Hilgendorf would have to stay fit and displace another naturalised player from the Cherry Blossoms.

Starting at fly-half for Japan in the Asian Five-Nations tournament this week is former New Zealander James Arlidge, who played a Super 12 season for each of the Blues and Highlanders at the start of the decade.

One of three Australasians in the Japan back line, Arlidge was selected for last year’s World Cup but broke a leg before the tournament began.

Hilgendorf has only just recovered from a serious setback of his own. He tore a hamstring during last year’s Australian Rugby Championship and resumed full training only last month.

[slomo]

all the best jimmy, look forward to seeing you at RWC2011, in a cherry blossoms jersey......

[chibi]

Ack! Shame to see him go! Will always think of Jimmy as our fly-half!

Gambatte Jimbo!

[.X.]

Right about now I hope Mitch Hardy is putting in a phone call to J. Hilgendorf

Its worked before, no reason why not now.

[Darren]

heh - I read through this thread today

Hilgs probably feels more screwed over by RugbyWA than Gits...

[James]

He was a bit unlucky with injuries. I hope he is keen to put aside his RWC dream aside to come back to the Force. It can't be too good playing in the World Cup for a team that routinely gets pumped and one that you aren't really a part of. Seems a bit of a cop out to me representing a country that you've no real connection to.

[Thequeerone]

Maybe he is just sick of sushi and wants to come home

[lara93]

just saw jimmy in karrinyup must be on holiday

[laura]

Again? He was on holiday when the Force were in Canberra...All these coincidences! I sure hope it means Jimmy is putting the finishing touches on a new Force contract!!

[jargan83]

awfully convienent thats for sure
Posted via Mobile Device