Big move.

Former Munster number eight Paddy Butler has signed for Japanese Top League side Yamaha Jubilo on a two-year-deal.

Butler represented Munster on 64 occasions before moving to Pau back in 2015. Butler made 92 appearances for the French side over the last four years but didn’t renew his contract at the end of last season.

The 29-year-old trained with Munster early on in their pre-season campaign before moving to Japan back in November on trial with Jublio before a deal was announced today.

“Very honoured and proud to say I will be playing my rugby with @yamaha_rugby for the next two seasons in the Japanese Top League,” Butler said on Instagram.

“It’s something that is extremely exciting and new and as the first Irish player to play in the league it’s a massive privilege and something I can always hold.”

We wish him the very best of luck. Nice guy and a quality player.