Japan's Hatakeyama makes Premiership debut in Newcastle win

Japan's Hatakeyama makes Premiership debut in Newcastle win

Newcastle Falcons' Kensuke Hatakeyama from Japan poses for a photo in Newcastle, England, on Feb. 12, 2016, after making his debut in the English Premiership match against the Leicester Tigers. Hatakeyama signed with Newcastle on a short-term loan deal from Japan's Suntory Sungoliath. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan's Hatakeyama makes Premiership debut in Newcastle win

Japan's Hatakeyama makes Premiership debut in Newcastle win

Newcastle Falcons' Kensuke Hatakeyama from Japan (C) plays during the second half of a match against the Leicester Tigers in Newcastle, England, on Feb. 12, 2016, making his debut in the English Premiership. Hatakeyama signed with Newcastle on a short-term loan deal from Japan's Suntory Sungoliath. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hatakeyama proving to be a likely lad on Tyneside

Hatakeyama proving to be a likely lad on Tyneside

Japan prop Kensuke Hatakeyama (R) smiles during a news conference in Newcastle, England, on Feb. 10, 2016, after joining the Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership on a short-term contract. Hatakeyama is the first Japanese-born player in the English rugby union competition for 15 years. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby: Hatakeyama departs for new challenge in Newcastle

Rugby: Hatakeyama departs for new challenge in Newcastle

Japan and Suntory Sungoliath prop Kensuke Hatakeyama speaks to reporters at Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 29, 2016, before departing for England. Hatakeyama has signed a short-term deal with Newcastle Falcons. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby: Hatakeyama inks short-term deal with English side Newcastle

Rugby: Hatakeyama inks short-term deal with English side Newcastle

Undated photo shows Japan and Suntory Sungoliath prop Kensuke Hatakeyama. The 30-year-old is heading to England to play for Newcastle Falcons on a short-term contract, it was announced on Jan. 27, 2016. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo