Japan Rugby League One

Japanese rugby union competition

"Top League" redirects here. For the Soviet Union association football league, see Soviet Top League.

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Japan Rugby League One

Sport| Rugby union
Formerly known as| Top League (2003–2021)
Instituted| 2003; 22 years ago (2003)
Inaugural season| 2003–04
Number of teams|

* 12 (Division 1)
* 8 (Division 2)
* 6 (Division 3)

Country|  Japan
Champions| Toshiba Brave Lupus (2024–25)
Most titles| Toshiba Brave Lupus (7 titles)
Website| league-one.en
Broadcast partner|

* J Sports
* DAZN
* RugbyPass TV

Related competition|

* Champions Cup
* Challenge League

Japan Rugby League One (Japanese: ジャパンラグビーリーグワン, romanized: Japanragubīrīguwan), formerly known as the Top League (Japanese: トップリーグ, romanized: Toppurīgu), is a rugby union competition in Japan. It is the highest level of industrial-professional rugby competition in the country. The Japan Rugby Football Union created the competition in 2003, by absorbing the Japan Company Rugby Football Championship. The chief architect of the league was Hiroaki Shukuzawa who strongly felt the urgency of improving Japanese domestic company rugby to a professional level which would allow Japan to compete more convincingly at Rugby World Cups.

Until 2022, it was an industrial league, where many players were employees of their company and the teams were all owned by major companies. While the competition was known for paying high salaries, only world-class foreign players and a small number of Japanese players played fully professionally, which meant most of the players still played in an amateur capacity. The delayed 2021 season was the final season of the Top League, with the JRFU adopting a new fully-professional three-tier system from 2022.[1] Despite this measure, the league still remains as a mix of fully professional and employee players and it has not yet transitioned to a fully professional competition. More details about the new structure was announced to the media in January 2021. Featuring 25 teams, the 12 top-tier clubs would be split into two conferences, with seven teams competing in division two and six in division three.[2] The new competition was formally announced as Japan Rugby League One in July 2021.[3]

The first season in 2003–04 featured 12 teams. The league was expanded to 14 teams in 2006–07 and 16 teams in 2013–14. While Japan Rugby League One's season[4] overlaps with the start of Super Rugby's season,[5] the Top League played during the off-season of the Super Rugby. Therefore, many full-time foreign professionals from Southern Hemisphere countries played in the Top League, notably Tony Brown, George Gregan and Dan Carter. In the 2010s, salaries in the Top League rose to become some of the highest in the rugby world[citation needed]; in 2012, South Africa's Jaque Fourie, now with Kobelco Steelers, was widely reported to be the world's highest-paid player.[6]

## Japan Rugby League One structure

[edit]

Since 2022, the Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) had three divisions with Division 1 being the top-flight division and holding the most teams.

Level

| Total clubs (26)  |

League(s) / division(s)

|
|

| 12  |

Japan Rugby League One – Division 1
12 clubs – 2 relegation play-offs

* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Canon Eagles
* Kobelco Steelers
* Shizuoka Blue Revs
* Mitsubishi DynaBoars
* Urayasu D-Rocks
* Panasonic Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Kubota Spears
* Toyota Verblitz
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Honda Heat

| 8  |

Japan Rugby League One – Division 2
8 clubs – 2 promotion play-offs, 2 relegation play-offs

* Kintetsu Liners
* NEC Green Rockets
* Toyota Industries Shuttles
* Red Hurricanes Osaka
* Kyūshu Kyuden Voltex
* Kamaishi Seawaves
* Hino Red Dolphins
* Shimizu Blue Sharks

| 6  |

Japan Rugby League One – Division 3
6 clubs – 2 promotion play-offs

* Kurita Water Gush
* Mazda Skyactivs
* Chugoku Red Regulions
* Secom Rugguts
* Yakult Levins
* LeRIRO Fukuoka

## Developments

[edit]

Former logo 2003–2021

* 2006–07: The league was expanded from 12 to 14 teams.
* 2007–08: A timekeeping system independent of the referee was introduced.
* 2008–09: Video referee (TMO) decisions were introduced for the Microsoft Cup play-off tournament.
* 2008–09: Three foreign players per team are allowed on the field at one time, one more than previously. Additionally, one member of an Asian union (such as South Korean Kim Kwang Mo for Sanyo Wild Knights) is permitted to take the field for each team.
* 2009–10: One of the three foreign players allowed on the field must have played, or be eligible, for Japan.[7]
* 2013–14: The league was expanded from 14 to 16 teams.
* 2014–15: Video referee (TMO) decisions introduced for all league games.[8]
* 2014–15: Playoff tournament sponsored as the Lixil Cup.[8]
* 2021: Japan Rugby League One announced as the new league name, starting from the 2022 season.[citation needed]

## Related competitions

[edit]

Main article: Top Challenge League

A second-tier Top League Challenge Series was also introduced in 2003. Between 2003–04 and 2016–17, teams from three regional leagues would qualify to this post-season competition, in which they could either win promotion to the next season's Top League, or qualify to promotion play-off matches.

In 2017, a second-tier Top Challenge League was introduced, to operate in a league format above the regional leagues.[9]

The regional leagues are:

* Top East League, administered by the Japan East Rugby Football Union
* Top West League, administered by the Kansai Rugby Football Union
* Top Kyūshū League, administered by the Kyūshū Rugby Football Union

With the creation of Rugby League One and its three divisions, the raison d'etre for the Top Challenge League ceased to exist, and it was discontinued.

In 2025 it was announced that Japan Rugby League One would receive one berth in the inaugural 2028 Rugby Club World Cup organised by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), along with eight sides from EPCR and seven from Super Rugby Pacific.

## Seasons

[edit]

### Twelve teams 2003–2006

[edit]

#### First season (2003–2004)

[edit]

Main article: 2003–04 Top League

The first season began with 12 teams:

* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* NEC Green Rockets
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Secom Rugguts
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* World Fighting Bull
* Yamaha Jubilo

Toshiba won the inaugural Top League title by finishing on top of the round-robin competition. The top eight teams qualified for the inaugural Microsoft Cup. Toshiba went on to lose the final of Microsoft Cup to NEC, but the cup was considered a separate competition to the Top League prior to 2007. Secom and Sanix were relegated at the end of the season. IBM and Toyota were promoted.

#### Second season (2004–2005)

[edit]

Main article: 2004–05 Top League

Following the 2004 Challenge series with IBM and Toyota being promoted, the following 12 teams competed in the second season:

* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* NEC Green Rockets
* Nihon IBM Big Blue
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* World Fighting Bull
* Yamaha Jubilo

Toshiba won both the league round-robin and the Microsoft Cup knockout competition contested by the top 8 teams after the regular season. The eleventh and twelfth teams (Kintetsu and IBM) were automatically relegated, and the ninth and tenth placed teams (World and Ricoh) had to win their 2005 promotion and relegation play-offs (Irekaesen) to stay in the Top League, which they did.

#### Third season (2005–2006)

[edit]

Main article: 2005–06 Top League

After the pre-season 2005 Challenge series, Secom and Sanix returned after a year out of the league, replacing Kintetsu and IBM. The following 12 teams competed in the third season:

* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* NEC Green Rockets
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Secom Rugguts
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* World Fighting Bull
* Yamaha Jubilo

Toshiba again won both the league round-robin and the Microsoft Cup knockout competition contested by the top 8 teams after the regular season. Coca-Cola West Japan (now Coca-Cola West Red Sparks) gained promotion to the League at the end of the season. IBM also gained promotion to return to the league.

### Fourteen teams: 2006–2012

[edit]

#### Fourth season (2006–2007)

[edit]

Main article: 2006–07 Top League

The number of teams was increased from 12 to 14. Coca-Cola West Red Sparks became the second Kyushu-based team in the Top League. IBM returned to the league.

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* IBM Big Blue
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* NEC Green Rockets
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Secom Rugguts
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* World Fighting Bull
* Yamaha Jubilo

The top four teams in the league played in the Microsoft Cup which was officially integrated into the league from this season as the "Top League Play-off Tournament Microsoft Cup". Toshiba won the cup and also won the All-Japan Championship. Secom and World (13th and 14th) were automatically relegated, to be replaced by Kyuden Voltex, the third team from Kyushu to enter the league, and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars from Kanto.

#### Fifth season (2007–2008)

[edit]

Fukuoka Sanix Blues v Kyuden Voltex at Global Arena, Round 11, 20 January 2008

Main article: 2007–08 Top League

Kyuden Voltex and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars joined the league for the first time. The following 14 teams were in the Top League in the 2007–08 season:

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* IBM Big Blue
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* Kyuden Voltex
* Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars
* NEC Green Rockets
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Yamaha Jubilo

The top four teams (Sanyo, Suntory, Toyota and Toshiba) played in the fifth Microsoft Cup to decide the league champion. Suntory beat Sanyo 14–10 in the final to become the 2007–08 champions. Mitsubishi (14th) and Ricoh (13th) were automatically relegated.

#### Sixth season (2008–2009)

[edit]

Main article: 2008–09 Top League

Kintetsu Liners returned to the league, and Yokogawa Denki were promoted for the first time (and renamed Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars in the off season). They replaced Ricoh Black Rams and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars. The following teams were in the league:

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* IBM Big Blue
* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* Kyuden Voltex
* NEC Green Rockets
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Yamaha Jubilo
* Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars

#### Seventh season (2009–2010)

[edit]

Main article: 2009–10 Top League

IBM Big Blue and Yokogawa Atlastars were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2008–9 season for finishing 13th and 14th. Ricoh and Honda won promotion through the Top Challenge series. Kyuden and Sanix retained their places in Top League when they won their respective promotion and relegation play-offs. The following teams were in the league:

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* Honda Heat
* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* Kyuden Voltex
* NEC Green Rockets
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Yamaha Jubilo

#### Eighth season (2010–2011)

[edit]

Main article: 2010–11 Top League

Honda Heat and Kyuden Voltex were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2009–10 season for finishing 13th and 14th. Toyota Industries Shuttles and NTT Communications Shining Arcs won promotion through the Top Challenge series. The following teams were in the league:

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Kubota Spears
* NEC Green Rockets
* NTT Communications Shining Arcs
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Toyota Industries Shuttles
* Yamaha Jubilo

The top 4 sides (Toshiba, Sanyo, Toyota and Suntory) from the regular season competed in a knock out tournament to fight for the Top League title. In the final, Sanyo defeated Suntory 28–23.

#### Ninth season (2011–2012)

[edit]

Main article: 2011–12 Top League

NTT Shining Arcs and Yamaha Jubilo which won their 2005 promotion/relegation play-offs (Irekaesen) against Canon Eagles and Kyuden Voltex to retain their places for the 2011–12 season. The following teams were in the league:

* Coca-Cola West Red Sparks
* Fukuoka Sanix Blues
* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes
* NEC Green Rockets
* NTT Communications Shining Arcs
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Honda Heat
* Yamaha Jubilo

The top 4 sides of the regular season (Suntory, Toshiba, Sanyo, and NEC) competed in the 2012 Top League Champions Cup knock-out tournament for the Top League title at Chichibu, Tokyo. Suntory defeated Sanyo 47–28 in the final to win the title. Both teams met again a few weeks later in the final of the 49th All-Japan Rugby Football Championship.

Additionally, in the Wildcard play-offs, the Top League teams ranked 5th and 8th (Kintetsu Liners and Yamaha Jubilo) played each other at Hanazono, Osaka, as did the teams ranked 6th and 7th (Kobe Steelers and Ricoh Black Rams), with the winners (Kobe and Yamaha) also qualifying for the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship.

### Sixteen teams: 2012 onwards

[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2014)

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* Kintetsu Liners
* Kobelco Steelers
* Munakata Sanix Blues
* NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes
* NEC Green Rockets
* NTT Communications Shining Arcs
* Ricoh Black Rams
* Sanyo Wild Knights
* Suntory Sungoliath
* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Toyota Verblitz
* Toyota Industries Shuttles
* Honda Heat
* Yamaha Jubilo
* Hino Red Dolphins
* Mitsubishi Dynaboars

## Statistics

[edit]

### Finals

[edit]

Further information: All-Japan Rugby Football Championship

List of Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) finals  Season  | Winners  | Score  | Runners-up  | Venue

|
|
|
|

Top League
2003–04 |  NEC Green Rockets | 24–19 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | National Stadium, Kasumigaoka, Tokyo
2004–05 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 20–6 |  Yamaha Júbilo | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2005–06 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 33–18 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2006–07 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 14–13 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2007–08 |  Suntory Sungoliath | 14–10  |  Sanyo Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2008–09 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 17–6 |  Sanyo Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2009–10 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 6–0 |  Sanyo Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2010–11 |  Sanyo Wild Knights | 28–23 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2011–12 |  Suntory Sungoliath | 47–28 |  Sanyo Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2012–13 |  Suntory Sungoliath | 19–3 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2013–14 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | 45–22 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2014–15 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | 30–12 |  Yamaha Júbilo | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2015–16 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | 27–26 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2016–17 |  Suntory Sungoliath | 15–10 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2017–18 |  Suntory Sungoliath | 12–8 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2018–19 |  Kobelco Steelers | 55–5 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2020 | Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 |  Panasonic Wild Knights | 31–26 |  Suntory Sungoliath | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
Japan Rugby League One (D1)
2022 |  Saitama Wild Knights | 18–12 |  Tokyo Sungoliath | National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2022–23 |  Kubota Spears | 17–15 |  Saitama Wild Knights | National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2023–24 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 24–20 |  Saitama Wild Knights | National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2024–25 |  Toshiba Brave Lupus | 18–13 |  Kubota Spears | National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2025–26 |  | — |  | National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo

### Performance by club

[edit]

Performances in the Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) by club  Club  | Title(s)  | Runners-up  | Seasons won  | Seasons runner-up

|
|
|
|

Toshiba Brave Lupus | 7  | 3  | 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2023–24, 2024–25 | 2003–04, 2012–13, 2015–16
Saitama Wild Knights[a][b] | 6  | 8  | 2010–11, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021, 2022 | 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2022–23, 2023–24
Tokyo Sungoliath[c] | 5  | 7  | 2007–08, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18 | 2005–06, 2006–07, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2018–19, 2021, 2022
Kubota Spears | 1  | 1  | 2022–23 | 2024–25
Green Rockets Tokatsu[d] | 1  | 0  | 2003–04 | —
Kobe Steelers | 1  | 0  | 2018–19 | —
Shizuoka Blue Revs[e] | 0  | 2  | —  | 2004–05, 2014–15

### Performance by prefecture

[edit]

Performances in the Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) by prefecture Prefecture  | Clubs  | Title(s)  | Runners-up  | Seasons won  | Seasons runner-up

|
|
|
|
|

Tokyo Prefecture |

* Toshiba Brave Lupus
* Tokyo Sungoliath[c]

| 12  | 10  | 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2023–24, 2024–25 | 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2021, 2022
Gunma Prefecture | Saitama Wild Knights[a][b] | 5  | 6  | 2010–11, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021 | 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18
Chiba Prefecture |

* Kubota Spears
* Green Rockets Tokatsu[d]

| 2  | 1  | 2003–04, 2022–23 | 2024–25
Saitama Prefecture | Saitama Wild Knights[a][b] | 1  | 2  | 2022 | 2022–23, 2023–24
Hyogo Prefecture | Kobe Steelers | 1  | 0  | 2018–19 | —
Shizuoka Prefecture | Shizuoka Blue Revs[e] | 0  | 2  | —  | 2004–05, 2014–15

## Notable foreign players

[edit]

The following foreign players that have played in the Top League have either won or been nominated for a major IRB award, played in a Rugby World Cup, played for a combined-nations touring side, or captained their national team.

Kieran Read (2007–present) | – 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)

|

Ben Smith (2007–present) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Aaron Cruden (2010–present) | – 2011 World Cup (Champions)
Beauden Barrett (2011–present) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
TJ Perenara (2012–present) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Sam Whitelock (2010–present) | – 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Matt Todd (2011–present) | – 2019 World Cup
Brodie Retallick (2012–present) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Dan Carter (2018–2020) | – 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Ma'a Nonu (2011–2020) | – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2011 Champions)
Sonny Bill Williams (2012–2020) | – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Ryan Crotty (2009–2020) | – 2019 World Cup
Jerome Kaino (2004–2018) | – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Rico Gear (1999–2010) | – 20-capped New Zealand international
Leon MacDonald (1997–2010) | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Reuben Thorne (1996–2009) | – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Jerry Collins (1999–2015) | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Tony Brown (1999–2011) | – 1999 World Cup
Quade Cooper (2006–present) | – 2011 World Cup
Adam Ashley-Cooper (2017–2018) | – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Berrick Barnes (2013–present) | – 2007 and 2011 World Cups
Matt Cockbain (2004–2006) | – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
David Pocock (2016–2018) | – 2010 and 2011 IRB Player of the Year nominee; 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Bernard Foley (2015–2016) | – 2015 World Cup
Matt Giteau (2017–2020) | – 2003, 2007 and 2015 World Cups
Mark Gerrard (2010–2018) | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
George Gregan (2008–2011) | – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups (1999 Champions); 2003 and 2007 World Cup Team Captain
George Smith (2011–2018) | – 2001 IRB Player of the Year nominee; 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Digby Ioane (2017–2019) | – 2011 World Cup
Toutai Kefu (2004–2010) | – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Stephen Larkham (2008–2011) | – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Nathan Grey (2003–2011) | – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Ben McCalman (2015–2016) | – 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Sean McMahon (2017–present) | – 2015 World Cup
Wycliff Palu (2016–2017) | – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Joe Roff (2005–2006) | – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Craig Wing (2010–2013) | – Australian Rugby League international
Colin Yukes | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
James Haskell (2011–2012) | – 2011 World Cup
George Kruis (2020–2022) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups
Joe Launchbury (2022–2023) | – 2015 and 2019 World Cups
Geoff Parling (2017–2018) | – 2012 British and Irish Lions
Kele Leawere | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Nemani Nadolo | – 2015 World Cup
Marika Vunibaka | – 1999 and 2003 World Cups
Seilala Mapusua | – 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2004, 2006 and 2008 Pacific Islanders international
Semo Sititi | – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups; 2007 World Cup Team Captain; 2004, 2006 and 2008 Pacific Islanders international
Alesana Tuilagi | – 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2006 Pacific Islanders international
Thinus Delport (2008–2010) | – 2003 World Cup
Jacque Fourie | – 2006 and 2009 IRB Player of the Year nominee
Fourie du Preez (2011–2016) | – 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2007 Champions)
Danie Rossouw | – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2007 Champions)
Jaco van der Westhuyzen | – 2003 World Cup Team Captain
Kwagga Smith (2018–present) | – 2019 World Cup
Faf de Klerk (2022–present) | – 2019 World Cup
Pierre Hola | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Hale T-Pole | – 2007 World Cup
Sione Tuʻipulotu | – 1999 and 2007 World Cups
Todd Clever | – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups; former USA captain
Mike Hercus (2008–2009) | – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Shane Williams | – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2005, 2009 and 2013 British and Irish Lions

## See also

[edit]

* Japan portal
* Sports portal

* Sport in Japan
* Rugby in Japan
* Top Challenge League (Tier 2)
* Japan national rugby union team
* Sunwolves
* Japan Company Rugby Football Championship
* Major League Rugby

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Formerly known as the Sanyo Wild Knights and Panasonic Wild Knights
2. ^ a b c In 2021 the Saitama Wild Knights, who were located in Gunma Prefecture, permanently relocated to Saitama Prefecture.
3. ^ a b Formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath
4. ^ a b Formerly known as NEC Green Rockets
5. ^ a b Formerly known as Yamaha Júbilo

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Framework of Entry Conditions to New League". JRFU. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
2. ^ "Japan's new rugby union league to launch in 2022". Sports Pro Media. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
3. ^ "La nouvelle ligue japonaise s'appelle la Japan Rugby League One". Asie Rugby (in French). 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
4. ^ 一般社団法人ジャパンラグビーリーグワン. "JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE OFFICIAL SITE FIXTURES & RESULTS（2022）". 【公式】NTTジャパンラグビー リーグワン (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
5. ^ "2022 Super Rugby Pacific". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
6. ^ "The 4.25 million pound question". ESPN Scrum. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
7. ^ Daily Yomiuri, 28 February 2008
8. ^ a b "Top League to introduce new officiating system this season". The Japan Times. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015.
9. ^ "Japan to add second-tier rugby league in 2017". The Japan Times. 19 August 2016. Archived from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.

## External links

[edit]

* Japan Rugby League One site
* Team profiles (English)
* Top League official site (Japanese)
* Top League video digest Archived 26 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine

* v
* t
* e

Japan Rugby League One

2025–26 teams|

| Division One|

* Black Rams Tokyo
* Brave Lupus Tokyo
* Kobe Steelers
* Mie Honda Heat
* Sagamihara DynaBoars
* Saitama Wild Knights
* Shizuoka Blue Revs
* Spears Tokyo Bay
* Tokyo Sungoliath
* Toyota Verblitz
* Urayasu D-Rocks
* Yokohama Canon Eagles

|

Division Two|

* Green Rockets Tokatsu
* Hino Red Dolphins
* Kamaishi Seawaves
* Kintetsu Liners
* Koto Blue Sharks
* Kyuden Voltex
* Red Hurricanes Osaka
* Toyota Shuttles Aichi

Division Three|

* Chugoku Red Regulions
* Kurita Water Gush
* LeRIRO Fukuoka
* Secom Rugguts
* Skyactivs Hiroshima
* Yakult Levins Toda

Former teams|

* Coca-Cola Red Sparks
* IBM Big Blue
* Munakata Sanix Blues
* World Fighting Bull
* Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars

Seasons|

* 2003–04
* 2004–05
* 2005–06
* 2006–07
* 2007–08
* 2008–09
* 2009–10
* 2010–11
* 2011–12
* 2012–13
* 2013–14
* 2014–15
* 2015–16
* 2016–17
* 2017–18
* 2018–19
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2022–23
* 2023–24
* 2024–25
* 2025–26

* Champions
* JRFU

* v
* t
* e

Rugby union in Japan

Governing body|

* Japan Rugby Football Union

National teams|

| Men's|

* Japan
* A
* U-20
* 7's

|

Women's|

* Women's
* 7's

Competitions|

| International|

* Super Rugby

|

National|

* Japan Rugby League One
* Lixil Cup
* Top Challenge League
* All-Japan Rugby Football Championship

Amateur|

* All-Japan University Rugby Championship
* National High School Rugby Tournament

Hosted events|

* 2019 Rugby World Cup
* Japan Sevens
* Japan Women's Sevens
* 2001 World Games
* Sanix World Youth Tournament

Defunct|

* Japan Company Rugby Football Championship

Major figures|

* Ginnosuke Tanaka
* Edward Bramwell Clarke
* Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu
* Shiggy Konno
* Yoshirō Mori
* International Players

Related articles|

* Sunwolves
* Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
* School Wars: Hero

* Category
* Commons

* v
* t
* e

Sports leagues in Japan

Baseball|

* Nippon Professional Baseball
* Central League
* Pacific League

Basketball|

* B.League
* B1 League
* B2 League
* B3 League

Dancing|

* D.League

Football|

* J.League
* J1 League
* J2 League
* J3 League
* Japan Football League
* Japanese Regional Leagues
* Japanese Prefectural Leagues [ja]

Gridiron football|

* X-League

Handball|

* Japan Handball League

Road bicycle racing|

* Japan Cycle League [ja]

Roller derby|

* Tokyo Roller Girls
* Okinawa Roller Derby

Rugby|

* Japan Rugby League One

Table tennis|

* T.League

Volleyball|

* SV.League
* V.League
* Men's West Conference
* Men's East Conference
* Women's

Professional sports|

* Asia League Ice Hockey
* J.League
* Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
* X-League

Women's sports|

* Football
* WE League
* Nadeshiko League
* Ice Hockey
* Women's Japan Ice Hockey League
* Softball
* Japan Diamond Softball League

Defunct|

* Baseball
* Football

* v
* t
* e

Top-level rugby union club competitions

Tier 1 nations|

| European cups|

* European Rugby Champions Cup
* European Rugby Challenge Cup
* Rugby Europe Super Cup

|

International|

* Super Rugby Americas
* Super Rugby Pacific
* United Rugby Championship

Domestic|

* Argentina
* Nacional de Clubes
* Torneo de la URBA
* Torneo del Interior
* Australia
* Super Rugby AUS
* Australian Club Championship
* Provincial Club Competitions
* England
* Premiership
* Championship
* Premiership Rugby Cup
* RFU Championship Cup
* France
* Top 14
* Pro D2
* Championnat Fédéral Nationale
* Ireland
* All-Ireland League
* All-Ireland Cup
* Italy
* Serie A Elite
* Serie A Elite Cup
* Japan
* Japan Rugby League One
* Top Challenge League
* Top League Champions Cup
* All-Japan Rugby Football Championship
* New Zealand
* National Provincial Championship
* Heartland Championship
* Scotland
* Super 6
* Scottish Premiership
* 1872 Cup
* South Africa
* Currie Cup
* SA Cup
* Gold Cup
* Varsity Cup
* Wales
* Welsh Premier Division
* WRU Challenge Cup

Defunct|

* Anglo-Welsh Cup
* Australian Provincial Championship
* British and Irish Cup
* Campeonato Argentino
* Celtic Cup
* Challenge Yves du Manoir
* Continental Club Rugby League
* Coppa Italia
* European Rugby Continental Shield
* Global Rapid Rugby
* Irish Interprovincial Championship
* Japan Company Rugby Football Championship
* National Rugby Championship
* Pro14 Rainbow Cup
* RFU Knockout Cup
* Rugby Challenge
* Scottish Inter-District Championship
* South Pacific Championship
* Welsh–Scottish League

Other nations|

| Africa|

* Kenya

|

Americas|

* Brazil
* United States
* Uruguay
* Venezuela

Asia|

* Hong Kong
* India
* Malaysia
* South Korea
* Sri Lanka

Europe|

* Austria
* Belgium
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Finland
* Georgia
* Germany
* Greece
* Malta
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Russia
* Serbia
* Spain
* Sweden
* Ukraine
* Central East Europe
* Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia

Oceania|

* Fiji
* Samoa
* Tonga

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