Ateneo standout Brian Castro to play in Japan SV.League

Ateneo’s Brian Castro during a game against UST in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo standout Brian Castro is taking his act to Japan SV.League club Fragolad Kagoshima as an import for the 2026-27 season.

Castro, through his agency VP Global Management, announced on Friday.

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“I’d like to say I’m very excited. This is one of the biggest experiences I’ll ever do in my volleyball career. I’m very excited. I’d like to say thank you to the whole team that’s helped me get to this point,” said Castro in an online press conference.

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“I’m in the US. I’m just enjoying seeing my family and friends for now. But I’m also playing volleyball, getting ready mentally and physically. I actually just played volleyball right now, but once I come back to the Philippines in two weeks, I’ll be playing volleyball even more consistently.”

The Blue Eagle will be part of Fragolad Kagoshima’s debut in the SV.League after the club earned its promotion to Division 1, with VP Global Management and FIVB agent Alessandro Castro finding the best opportunity for him.

Castro will join men’s volleyball stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, who made their groundbreaking entries to Japan’s Division 1 league.

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“They’ve always inspired me ever since I’ve watched them back in the UAAP days.  I’ve actually played against Kuya Marck back in last year in our training camp in Osaka when he was with his Japanese team and it was such a great experience,” said Castro.

“And it was super inspiring to see that Kuya Marck and even Kuya Bryan that we all can play in overseas volleyball.  I’m very excited to always represent them and represent the Filipino community.”

He will join an elite group of Filipino imports in the SV.League with Jaja Santiago, Alyssa Solomon, Jia De Guzman, Maddie Madayag, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.

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The young middle blocker played two seasons for Ateneo in the UAAP and reached the Final Four in his last playing year in Season 88.

Alessandro Castro, an FIVB-licensed agent in Japanese volleyball, said Kagoshima was looking for an Asian import and found Brian to be a perfect fit.

He added that more Filipinos are expected to play in Japan, with the growing talent of the athletes.

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“Brian seemed to be very motivated and smart. The team of Kagoshima was looking for an Asian player. They still had one spot left for the Asian player, and basically everything went quite big, and maybe a month after the first contact, we were able to close a contract,” said Alessandro. “I hope there will be more signings to come.”