Japan-bound Wallabies flanker Hugh McMeniman hopes league converts do their homework before opting for overseas rugby riches over the NRL.

McMeniman - ruled out of this year's Wallabies program with an ankle injury - confirmed on Tuesday night that he would run out for the Kubota Spears on a two-year deal from 2010 with another one-year option.

It came after NRL club South Sydney announced that they would release Craig Wing from the final two years of his contract at the end of 2009 so he could take up a two-year offer with a yet to be named Japanese rugby side.

McMeniman said Japanese rugby was ideal for league converts to cut their teeth in the sport but warned against players going simply for the highest bidder.

"You can't just go to any club. You've got to find the club that suits you," McMeniman told AAP.

"There are some very traditional clubs with all Japanese support staff, coaches and their set views - it would make the transition very tough, especially with the language barrier.

"You can't just go for the big money.

"But if you find the right fit, Japanese rugby is a good place to start learning the sport.

"It can be up tempo, a very fast game over there which would suit (league convert) backs in particular - they can play a pretty pivotal role."

McMeniman said he researched the competition thoroughly before signing on for the Funabashi-based Spears.

Wallabies great Toutai Kefu is one of Australia's highest profile exports to Japan, playing five seasons for the Spears in the 14-team Top League and planning a return for the 2009-10 season later this year.

The 60-Test former Wallaby told AAP in February that NRL stars would have little difficulty adjusting to the 15-man game in Japan.

Broncos star Karmichael Hunt is the latest NRL player to be linked to a move for the big bucks in Japan.

But McMeniman said it wasn't just the money that convinced him to knock back European interest and opt for the Spears.

"There's lifestyle, and it's closer to home which is a big appeal and less games (than in Australia) to play in a season," he said.

Queensland's McMeniman surprised in May when he knocked back a new ARU deal, sacrificing his chances of playing in the 2011 World Cup.

McMeniman was initially shopped around to overseas clubs by his manager as a package deal with Reds teammate Digby Ioane.

But Queensland are expected to announce in the coming days that they have re-signed Ioane for another two years after their trump card agreed to terms with QRU CEO Ken Freer last week.

Ioane reportedly shunned a $1.1 million offer to play alongside McMeniman in Japan.

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