Kubota Spears full-back Shaun Stevenson has pledged his allegiance to Samoa for his return to Testrugby.
The 29-year-old full-back played the full 80 minutes in the League One final loss to Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers on 7 June despite picking up a leg injury 30 minutes into the first half.
One-cap All Black Stevenson made 133 metres for Frans Ludeke’s back-to-back runners up – more than double second-placed Ardie Savea (65m) – and made five offloads.
His impressive display epitomised a fine season for the formers Chiefs star who revealed to RugbyJP.com that he has made a decision on his eagerly-awaited return to Test rugby.
Stevenson won his only cap for the New Zealand in August 2023 under then-head coach Ian Foster in a try-scoring debut on the wing which helped the under-fire All Blacks to a narrow win against the Wallabies.
The Auckland native, who qualifies for Samoa based on his family heritage, was understood to be leaning towards a switch when he first joined Kubota last year but has now gone on record for the first time to confirm that he will transfer unions this summer.
“Yeah, I’m putting my hand up, I think quite a few of us boys will be playing for Samoa come the November Test period,” Stevenson told RugbyJP.com.
“I’ve had to weigh everything up but I’m 30 this year, so I needed to start thinking about my future.
“It was a tough decision, I felt like I had a lot to offer New Zealand Rugby but I was out of favour with the previous coaches so you’ve got to make those hard decisions.”
Stevenson has shone in Japan and, in his first full season in Funabashi, was one of this year’s MVP candidates, an award that went to his ex-Chiefs teammate and Kobe captain Brodie Retallick.
His attacking threat, aerial skills, eye-catching goal-kicking ability and 72-points haul were crucial in Kubota’s charge to a third final in four years.
New Zealand Rugby’s selection policy states that only New Zealand-based players are eligible for selection for the national team which has prompted Toshiba Brave Lupus’ Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell to return home after three seasons in Japan.
Stevenson, who will complete the obligatory three-year stand-down period to switch nationalities in August, hailed his experience so far playing in Japan’s fast-paced League One competition.
“It was an easy decision to come over here to Kubota and I’ve loved my time here. The fans, players and coaches have all been awesome.
“It was tough (deciding to change nations) but at the end of the day you’ve got to live in the moment and it’s been a blessing being here playing in Japan.”
Samoa, whose newly-qualified ranks includes ex-All Black and Kintetsu Liners captain Peter Umaga-Jensen, will compete in the tier-two World Rugby Nations Cup this summer.
Tusi Pisi’s side will play Hong Kong China, Georgia and Romania in July in South America.
Stevenson is set to be available for the November fixtures against Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain.
“I’m going to rest and recover, my stand-down period runs out in August so I’ve missed the July cut-off but from what I’ve seen I think we’ll have a strong squad in November.”
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