Japan Rugby League One

Ardie Savea’s final mission in Japan: Win the title and leave a lasting legacy

Exclusive: Ardie Savea look ahead to Sunday's Japan Rugby League One final, discusses Kobe Steelers' title challenge, working under Dave Rennie and his hopes for Moana Pasifika's future.
5 June 2026

Kubota’s Shaun Stevenson relishing Chiefs reunion in League One final

Kubota Spears full-back Shaun Stevenson is relishing the prospect of going up against his former Chiefs teammates Brodie Retallick and Anton Lienert-Brown in Sunday’s League One final against Kobe Steelers.
4 June 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase To join Japan's Saitama Wild Knights

Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase signs with Saitama Wild Knights ahead of 2026-27 season and Rugby World Cup preparations
9 February 2026

Graham Rowntree appointed Head Coach of Urayasu D-Rocks

Graham Rowntree, former Munster head coach, has been named the new head coach of Japan's Urayasu D-Rocks, officials confirmed today.
26 August 2025

South African fly-half Manie Libbok heads to Japan

South African fly-half Manie Libbok has confirmed his move to Japan’s Hanazono Kintetsu Liners for the 2025–26 season.
22 July 2025

Adre Smith loaned to Toyota Verblitz for the season

Stormers lock Adre Smith joins Toyota Verblitz in Japan on loan for the remainder of the season.
23 January 2025

Japan Rugby League One Round-Up: Kurt-Lee Arendse and Manu Vunipola shine on debuts

The fourth edition of Japan Rugby League One has kicked off with unprecedented global interest in the country’s three-tier professional club competition.
24 December 2024