Toyota Verblitz have confirmed that former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster will be joining the Japanese club as their new head coach ahead of the next season.

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea said he is keen to test himself in the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane has taken the sabbatical option in his contract to play for Japanese Rugby League One club Suntory Sungoliath for the 2024 season.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx will miss the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season for Kubota Spears following an injury.

Edinburgh have confirmed that former head coach Mike Blair will be joining the backroom staff of Japan Rugby League One side Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Chiefs first five-eighth Bryn Gatland will be heading to Japan for a stint with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2024.

French club Montpellier has confirmed the signing of All Blacks wing George Bridge on a three-year deal until 2025.

Marika Koroibete will become the latest Australian player to head to Japan after signing a contract with Saitama Wild Knights.

The Saracens stalwart hopes his side can build from their experience in the GK IPA Championship and return to challenging for the big prizes.

Japanese Top League club Green Rockets has announced the appointment of former Australia coach Michael Cheika as the new director of rugby.

The Japan Rugby Football Union has confirmed the opening four rounds of the 2021 season of Top League has been cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

The start of Japan's Top League for the 2021 season has been delayed following an outbreak of Covid-19.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the 2021 Top Challenge League season in Japan, TRU's Elizabeth Cartwright was able to chat to Freddie Burns about settling into life with the Shokki Shuttles.

New Zealand international TJ Perenara will make his debut in the Japanese Top League next season after he was signed by NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes on short-term contract.

Australia skipper Michael Hooper will play for Japanese Top League side Toyota Verblitz next year after taking a sabbatical.

Honda Heat have confirmed the signing of four players including Blues fullback Matt Duffie ahead of the 2021 season.

Kobelco Steelers have confirmed the signing of former All Blacks duo Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden ahead of the next season.

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is set to make his debut in the Japanese Top League next year after signed by NTT Shining Arcs.

New Zealand star fly-half Beauden Barrett will make his debut in the Japanese Top League next year after signed by Suntory Sungoliath.

Having made just shy of 200 competitive appearances for Gloucester, Tom Savage’s move to Japan came somewhat out of the blue.