Dual-code international Barrie-Jon Mather is to play professional rugby in Japan after signing a 12-month contract with Kubota.
The 30-year-old has played centre for Sale and England and also won three rugby league caps with Great Britain.
"It was an offer that came completely out of the blue," said Mather, who was a member of the all-conquering Wigan team of the 1980s.
"It will be a new experience for me in a different culture."
Mather has been playing for National League One club Coventry since bringing his rugby league career to an end.