Joe Wheeler off to Japan, will miss Makos season
Tasman Makos and Highlanders favourite Joe Wheeler has decided his immediate future lies overseas.
The charismatic 28 year-old has signed to play for Japanese rugby club Suntory Sungoliath after the 2015 Super Rugby season ends, meaning he will miss the Makos' National Provincial Championship campaign.
Wheeler said while it was the hardest decision of his life, there were several compelling reasons behind the change. "I have been doing the same thing for many years now so I was looking for some fresh challenges and Courtney [his fiance] has put up with a lot, following me all over New Zealand, so for her to experience another culture would be great.
"I figure I've got four years or so left [to play rugby] … plus, the offer that Suntory made was just too good to turn down. It can hopefully set us up post-rugby, if we are smart about it.
"The rigours of New Zealand rugby are pretty tough. Year in, year out playing Super Rugby then back to NPC, playing a lot of minutes, it takes it out of you. I feel I have to maximise what I have got left in my body."
Wheeler had a year to run on his Makos contract and had initially planned to play this season, especially with a new coaching team in place. "I wanted to help with the transitional phase … but it is just that time in my career and you have to weight up the options.
"It was a really tough decision to leave Tasman because it's all I've known … it's ingrained in me and who I am. It's a special team and one I am really proud to be a part of. I really struggled with that.
"I am going to miss the Makos dearly but I think I have given good service to them … and they have given me their blessing and given me an early release out of my contract."
Wheeler has discussed his decision with Makos head coach Leon MacDonald, who also had a stint in Japan.
"It was a hard conversation to have," said Wheeler, "he's a really good friend and a great mentor. He understands and was really supportive."
While the lofty lock has ruled himself out of Makos contention, at least for the time being, he is hoping to play Super Rugby next season. "I am still in negotiation with the Highlanders to come back next year. After so many years of service to NZ rugby you can qualify for an exemption to do what is called a split season … hopefully we can get that over the line and I can be back with the Highlanders next year."
Wheeler has played 80 games for the Makos since his debut in 2008, at both loose forward and lock.
He joined the Crusaders in 2010 for his first taste of Super Rugby, playing just four games for the Red and Blacks over three seasons, before moving south to the Highlanders for the past three campaigns. He has played 44 times for the Southern Men and was a key member of their side during their march to the title in 2015. He also represented the Maori All Blacks in 2013.
Off the field, Wheeler is a popular and pivotal member of both the Makos and Highlanders camps, helping build both teams' successful cultures. He has quickly become a fan-favourite, both in the Tasman region and south of the Waitaki.
Wheeler will play for Suntory, three time Japanese champions, during the 2016-17 Top League season when will be joined by Australian internationals George Smith and Christian Lealiifano.
