Japan stand-off Kensuke Iwabuchi made his debut in England's rugby Premier League on Sunday, playing the last few minutes as his club, Saracens, were blown out 30-10 away at Northampton.
The former Kobe Steel ace, who signed a one-year deal with the London club in August, became the first Japanese player to appear in English professional rugby when he came on in the 78th minute with the home side already 13 points ahead.
Iwabuchi, 24, watched the first 10 games of the season from the bench, before his brief debut, which also happened to be broadcast live on national television in England. Iwabuchi, who joined Kobe Steel in 1998, impressed Saracens scouts last December when he played for Cambridge University against Oxford University during a study period in England. He missed the 1999 World Cup in Wales through injury.
"I'm relieved to finally get on the pitch, but I spent more time trying to make tackles than passes. I know I have to accept playing as a substitute for now," he said after the match.