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Japan Rugby League One (formerly the Top League) is a
rugby union Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. In it ...
competition in Japan. It is the highest level of professional rugby competition in the country. The Japan Rugby Football Union created the competition in 2003, by absorbing the Japan Company Rugby Football Championship, to drive up the overall standard and popularity of the sport and improve the results of the
Japan national rugby union team The Japan national rugby union team, often known as the Cherry Blossoms, Sakura, and more recently The Brave Blossoms (''ブレイブ・ブロッサムズ - Bureibu burossamuzu'') is traditionally the strongest rugby union power in Asia and has ...
. 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. 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. The new competition was formally announced as Japan Rugby League One in July 2021. 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. The Top League is played during the off-season of the Super Rugby, Therefore, many full-time foreign professionals from Southern Hemisphere countries have played in the Top League, notably Tony Brown, George Gregan and Dan Carter. In the 2010s, salaries in the Top League have risen to become some of the highest in the rugby world; in 2012, South Africa's Jaque Fourie, now with
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
, was widely reported to be the world's highest-paid player.


Rugby System's Divisions

The 2021 format of the first all-professional edition for the Japanese club system is divided into three divisions.


Division 1

The league consists of 12 teams based in various cities in the country. * Black Rams Tokyo *
Green Rockets Tokatsu NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu (formerly NEC Green Rockets) is a Japanese rugby union team in the Japan Rugby League One. The team's captain iRyota Asano The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who was also the captain of the Japan national rugby un ...
* Kobelco Kobe Steelers * Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay * NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka * Saitama Wild Knights * Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu * Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly known as Yamaha Júbilo) * Tokyo Sungoliath * Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo * Toyota Verblitz * Yokohama Canon Eagles


Division 2

* Hanazono Kintetsu Liners *
Hino Red Dolphins Hino Motors Red Dolphins are a Japanese rugby union team, currently playing in the county's top tier Japan Rugby League One competition. The team is the rugby team of commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino Motors, based in Hino in the Tokyo Metropol ...
*
Kamaishi Seawaves Kamaishi Seawaves is a Rugby union football club in Kamaishi, Iwate, Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It was established in 2001. At its inception, it was known as Nippon Steel Corporation Kamaishi. Current squad The Kamaishi Seawaves squad ...
* Mie Honda Heat *
Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It came second in the To ...
*
Skyactivs Hiroshima Skyactivs Hiroshima (formerly Mazda Blue Zoomers) are a Japanese rugby union team who compete in the Japan Rugby League One. They were formerly owned by car manufacturers Mazda based in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan. The team rebranded as Skyactivs H ...


Division 3

* Chugoku Red Regulions *
Kurita Water Gush Akishima Kurita Water Gush Akishima are a Japanese rugby union team that play in Division Three of Japan Rugby League One. They are owned by Kurita Water Industries, a water treatment chemical manufacturer. The team is based in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture ...
*
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
(without city/prefecture in the name) * Munakata Sanix Blues * Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks *
Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi (also called Toyota Jido Shokki as distinct from Toyota, which was renamed Toyota Verblitz) is a Japanese rugby team owned by Toyota Industries. They were promoted to Japan's top-flight league Top League for the ...


Developments

*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 The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
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 Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
) 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. *2013–14: The league was expanded from 14 to 16 teams. *2014–15: Video referee (TMO) decisions introduced for all league games. *2014–15: Playoff tournament sponsored as the Lixil Cup. *2021: Japan Rugby League One announced as the new league name, starting from the 2022 season.


Related competitions

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 The Top Challenge League was a professional rugby union competition in Japan. It was the second-highest level of rugby competition in the country and is a companies league; all the teams are owned by major companies and the players are generally e ...
was introduced, to operate in a league format above the regional leagues. 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.


Seasons


Sixteen teams: 2012 onwards

* Kintetsu Liners *
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Munakata Sanix Blues *
NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka is a Japanese rugby union team owned by NTT DoCoMo. They qualified for the 2011–12 season and finished 12th place overall. The team rebranded in 2022, ahead of the rebranding of the Top League to the Japan Rugb ...
* NEC Green Rockets *
NTT Communications Shining Arcs Urayasu D-Rocks, commonly known as the D-Rocks, or the Shining Arcs, is a rugby union team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Rugby League One competition, currently in Division 2. Given the name, the team is based in Urayasu Ci ...
* Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
Toyota Industries Shuttles Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi (also called Toyota Jido Shokki as distinct from Toyota, which was renamed Toyota Verblitz) is a Japanese rugby team owned by Toyota Industries. They were promoted to Japan's top-flight league Top League for the ...
*
Honda Heat Mie Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor. (Suzuka is known for the Suzuka Circuit and the presence of car companies.) They play in the Japan Rugby League One, ...
* Yamaha Jubilo *
Hino Red Dolphins Hino Motors Red Dolphins are a Japanese rugby union team, currently playing in the county's top tier Japan Rugby League One competition. The team is the rugby team of commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino Motors, based in Hino in the Tokyo Metropol ...
* Mitsubishi Dynaboars


Fourteen teams: 2006 to 2012


Ninth season (2011–12)

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 The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
*
NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka is a Japanese rugby union team owned by NTT DoCoMo. They qualified for the 2011–12 season and finished 12th place overall. The team rebranded in 2022, ahead of the rebranding of the Top League to the Japan Rugb ...
* NEC Green Rockets *
NTT Communications Shining Arcs Urayasu D-Rocks, commonly known as the D-Rocks, or the Shining Arcs, is a rugby union team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Rugby League One competition, currently in Division 2. Given the name, the team is based in Urayasu Ci ...
* Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
Honda Heat Mie Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor. (Suzuka is known for the Suzuka Circuit and the presence of car companies.) They play in the Japan Rugby League One, ...
* 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 is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 61,159 in 26,380 households and a population density of . The total area of the city is . Geography Chichibu is in the westernmost part of Saitama. Unl ...
, 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 The All-Japan Rugby Football Championship (日本ラグビーフットボール選手権大会 ''Nihon Ragubi- Futtobo-ru Senshuken Taikai'') is played at the end of the season and is doubling as the title playoff in the Top League. The first champ ...
. 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.


Eighth season (2010–11)

Honda Heat Mie Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor. (Suzuka is known for the Suzuka Circuit and the presence of car companies.) They play in the Japan Rugby League One, ...
and
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2009–10 season for finishing 13th and 14th.
Toyota Industries Shuttles Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi (also called Toyota Jido Shokki as distinct from Toyota, which was renamed Toyota Verblitz) is a Japanese rugby team owned by Toyota Industries. They were promoted to Japan's top-flight league Top League for the ...
and
NTT Communications Shining Arcs Urayasu D-Rocks, commonly known as the D-Rocks, or the Shining Arcs, is a rugby union team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Rugby League One competition, currently in Division 2. Given the name, the team is based in Urayasu Ci ...
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 The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears * NEC Green Rockets *
NTT Communications Shining Arcs Urayasu D-Rocks, commonly known as the D-Rocks, or the Shining Arcs, is a rugby union team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Rugby League One competition, currently in Division 2. Given the name, the team is based in Urayasu Ci ...
* Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
Toyota Industries Shuttles Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi (also called Toyota Jido Shokki as distinct from Toyota, which was renamed Toyota Verblitz) is a Japanese rugby team owned by Toyota Industries. They were promoted to Japan's top-flight league Top League for the ...
* 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.


Seventh season (2009–10)

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 Mie Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor. (Suzuka is known for the Suzuka Circuit and the presence of car companies.) They play in the Japan Rugby League One, ...
* Kintetsu Liners *
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears *
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
* NEC Green Rockets * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz * Yamaha Jubilo


Sixth season (2008–9)

Kintetsu Liners returned to the league, and Yokogawa Denki were promoted for the first time (and renamed
Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars is a Japanese rugby union team based in Musashino, Tokyo. They won promotion to the Top League for one season in 2008–09 being relegated that same season. History The team was founded as Yokogawa Denki in 1946. ...
in the off season). They replaced Ricoh Black Rams and
Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It came second in the To ...
. The following teams were in the league: * Coca-Cola West Red Sparks * Fukuoka Sanix Blues * IBM Big Blue * Kintetsu Liners *
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears *
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
* NEC Green Rockets *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz * Yamaha Jubilo *
Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars is a Japanese rugby union team based in Musashino, Tokyo. They won promotion to the Top League for one season in 2008–09 being relegated that same season. History The team was founded as Yokogawa Denki in 1946. ...


Fifth season (2007–8)

Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
and
Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It came second in the To ...
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 The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears *
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
*
Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It came second in the To ...
* NEC Green Rockets * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz * Yamaha Jubilo The top four teams (Sanyo, Suntory, Toyota and Toshiba) played in the fifth
Microsoft Cup The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
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.


Fourth season (2006–7)

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 The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears * NEC Green Rockets * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Secom Rugguts Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team founded in 1985 by SECOM. Its name is a portmanteau of "Rugger" and "Guts". The club was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season. As the top team o ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
World Fighting Bull World Fighting Bull were a Japanese rugby union team that played in the county's Top League competition. The team was the rugby team of clothing company World Co., based in Kobe in the Kansai area of Japan. The team was founded in 1984, and spe ...
* Yamaha Jubilo The top four teams in the league played in the
Microsoft Cup The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
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 Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyūshū Denryoku). The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based ...
, the third team from Kyushu to enter the league, and
Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It came second in the To ...
from Kanto.


Twelve teams 2003 to 2006


Third season (2005–6)

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 The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears * NEC Green Rockets * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Secom Rugguts Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team founded in 1985 by SECOM. Its name is a portmanteau of "Rugger" and "Guts". The club was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season. As the top team o ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
World Fighting Bull World Fighting Bull were a Japanese rugby union team that played in the county's Top League competition. The team was the rugby team of clothing company World Co., based in Kobe in the Kansai area of Japan. The team was founded in 1984, and spe ...
* Yamaha Jubilo Toshiba again won both the league round-robin and the
Microsoft Cup The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
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.


Second season (2004–5)

Following the 2004 Challenge series with IBM and Toyota being promoted, the following 12 teams competed in the second season: * Kintetsu Liners *
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears * NEC Green Rockets * Nihon IBM Big Blue * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
* Toyota Verblitz *
World Fighting Bull World Fighting Bull were a Japanese rugby union team that played in the county's Top League competition. The team was the rugby team of clothing company World Co., based in Kobe in the Kansai area of Japan. The team was founded in 1984, and spe ...
* 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.


First season (2003–4)

The first season began with 12 teams: * Fukuoka Sanix Blues * Kintetsu Liners *
Kobelco Steelers The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-2004 season. The team rebranded as Kobelco Kobe Steelers ahead of ...
* Kubota Spears * NEC Green Rockets * Ricoh Black Rams *
Sanyo Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he was not captain), it dominated the l ...
*
Secom Rugguts Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team founded in 1985 by SECOM. Its name is a portmanteau of "Rugger" and "Guts". The club was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season. As the top team o ...
*
Suntory Sungoliath Tokyo Sungoliath (formerly known as Suntory Sungoliath) is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus. The ...
*
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup i ...
*
World Fighting Bull World Fighting Bull were a Japanese rugby union team that played in the county's Top League competition. The team was the rugby team of clothing company World Co., based in Kobe in the Kansai area of Japan. The team was founded in 1984, and spe ...
* 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 The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
. 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.


Champions

;Notes : * NEC Green Rockets won the
Microsoft Cup The Top League Championship is Japan's highest-level knockout tournament for rugby union clubs. Held annually, the leading teams from the Top League regular season qualify for the playoffs to decide the Cup title. From 2018 onward, the All-Japa ...
in 2003–04. The Cup was considered a separate competition to the Top League prior to 2007.


Notable foreign players

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. {, style="margin-left:1em; font-size:90%;" , Kieran Read (2007–present) , , – 2011, 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cups , - , Ben Smith (2007–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - , Aaron Cruden (2010–present) , , – 2011 (World Champions) World Cup , - ,
Beauden Barrett Beauden John Barrett (born 27 May 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays as a First five-eighth (fly-half) and fullback for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup, the Blues in Super Rugby and New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks. ...
(2011–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - , TJ Perenara (2012–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - , Sam Whitelock (2010–present) , , – 2011, 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cups , - ,
Matt Todd Matthew Brendon Todd (born 24 March 1988) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, who plays as an Openside Flanker for the Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Japanese Top League competition. Todd played 25 tests for New Zealand internationally, from ...
(2011–present) , , – 2019 World Cup , - ,
Brodie Retallick Brodie Allan Retallick (born 31 May 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, who plays as a lock for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and is part of the squad for New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition. Retallic ...
(2012–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cups , - , , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cups, 2011 and 2015 (World Champions) , - ,
Ma'a Nonu Ma'a Allan Nonu (; born 21 May 1982) is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand who currently plays for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby (MLR). He plays in the inside centre, but can also cover outside centre and wing. ...
(2011–2020) , , – 2003, 2007 and 2011 (World Champions) , - ,
Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams (born 3 August 1985) is a New Zealand heavyweight boxer, and a former professional rugby league and rugby union player and as of recently is working for Stan Sports. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in ...
(2012-2020) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (World Champions) , - ,
Ryan Crotty Ryan Stevenson Crotty (born 23 September 1988) is a New Zealand-born rugby union footballer. He currently plays as a midfield back for the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League. Crotty played 48 tests for New Zealand's international team, t ...
(2009-2020) , , – 2019 World Cup , - ,
Jerome Kaino Jerome Kaino (born 6 April 1983) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. In 2004, he was named IRB International Under-21 player of the year. In 2011, he was named the New Zealand Rugby player of the year, finishing ahead of Richie McCaw ...
(2004-2018) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (World Champions) , - , Rico Gear (1999-2010) , , – 20-capped New Zealand international , - ,
Leon MacDonald Leon Raymond MacDonald (born 21 December 1977) is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer, and now head coach for the Auckland Blues rugby team, who played 56 tests for the national team, the All Blacks. He played as a first five-eighth ...
(1997-2010) , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - ,
Reuben Thorne Reuben David Thorne (born 2 January 1975) is a New Zealand rugby union player, and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks. Professional Career and the All Blacks Super 12 Playing as a flanker, Thorne first appeared in the Super 12 ...
(1996-2009) , , – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - ,
Jerry Collins Jerry Collins (4 November 1980 – 5 June 2015) was a Samoan – New Zealand rugby union player. He played for New Zealand, for whom he was capped 48 times, as well as for the Wellington Hurricanes in New Zealand, Toulon and Narbonne in the Rugb ...
(1999-2015) , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , Tony Brown (1999-2011) , , – 1999 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia
Quade Cooper Quade Santini Cooper (born 5 April 1988) is a professional rugby union player and occasional boxer. Although born in New Zealand, he has represented Australia in rugby at international level. He currently plays for Hanazono Liners in Japan, a ...
(2006–present) , , – 2011 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia
Adam Ashley-Cooper Adam Ashley-Cooper (born 27 March 1984) is a former Australian rugby union player who last played for the LA Giltinis of Major League Rugby (MLR). He has won 121 caps for Australia, the third most of any Australia player at the time of his ret ...
(2017–2018){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia
Berrick Barnes Berrick Steven Barnes (born 28 May 1986) is a former Australian professional rugby union footballer. His usual position is fly-half or inside centre. He is currently signed with Japanese Top League club Panasonic Wild Knights, but previously p ...
(2013–present){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2007, and 2011 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia
Matt Cockbain Matt Cockbain (born 19 September 1972) is an Australian rugby union football coach and a former international player. He played over 60 tests for the national team, the Wallabies including winning the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Cockbain was an assist ...
(2004–2006){{pad, 1.5em , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia David Pocock (2016–2018) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cup, 2010 and 2011 IRB Player of the Year nominee , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Bernard Foley Bernard Foley (born 8 September 1989) is an Australian rugby player of Irish descent. He plays professionally for the Australia national rugby team and the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby. He can cover both fullback and fly-half a ...
(2015–2016) , , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Matt Giteau (2017–2020) , , – 2003, 2007, and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Mark Gerrard Mark Gerrard (born 4 September 1982) is a former Australian professional rugby union footballer. He currently is the assistant coach for the Austin Gilgronis in Major League Rugby (MLR) competition in the United States. In 2011, he was one of ...
(2010–2018) , , – 2003, and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia George Gregan (2008–2011) , , – 1999 (World Champions), 2003 (Captain) and 2007 (Captain) World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia George Smith (2011–2018) , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup and 2001 IRB Player of the Year nominee , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Digby Ioane Digby Ioane (born 14 July 1985) is an Australian professional rugby union footballer who played for the Colorado Raptors in Major League Rugby (MLR). Ioane previously played for Panasonic Wild Knights in the Top League in Japan. He also pl ...
(2017–2019) , , – 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Toutai Kefu Toutai Kefu (born 8 April 1974) is a Tonga-born rugby coach, who earned 60 caps playing at number eight for the Australian national team (the Wallabies). Kefu is currently the head coach of the Tongan national team having previously coached th ...
(2004–2010) , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Stephen Larkham (2008–2011) , , – 1999 (World Champions), 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Nathan Grey (2003–2011) , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Ben McCalman Ben McCalman (born 18 March 1988 in Dubbo, New South Wales) is a former Australian rugby union footballer, playing for the Western Force in the international Super Rugby competition, and Australia. McCalman attended the Kinross Wolaroi School ...
(2015–2016) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia
Sean McMahon Sean McMahon (born 18 June 1994) is an Australian rugby union player for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japanese Top League. His regular playing position is Flanker. Career McMahon was born and raised in Brisbane and took his first steps in senior ...
(2017–present){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Wycliff Palu (2016–2017) , , – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Joe Roff (2005–2006) , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Craig Wing (2010–2013) , , – Australian Rugby League international , - , {{flagicon , Canada Colin Yukes , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , England James Haskell (2011–2012) , , – 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , England
George Kruis George Edward John Kruis (born 22 February 1990) is an English former professional rugby union player. He played lock for Saracens and represented England and the British & Irish Lions. He was almost always used as a jumper in the line-out due ...
(2009–present) , , – 2015 World Cup, 2019 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , England
Geoff Parling Geoff Parling (born 28 October 1983) is an English rugby union coach and former player. His usual playing position was lock. Parling played for Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs in Premiership Rugby, he won three English ti ...
(2017–2018) , , – 2012 British and Irish Lions , - , {{flagicon , Fiji
Kele Leawere Senikavika Kelemete Leawere (born 27 April 1974) is a Fijian rugby union player. He plays as a lock. Career He is the elder brother of former Fiji sevens rep, Mika Leawere and Sekove Leawere. He departed for New Zealand in 1996 and has made a ...
, , – 2003 and 2007 World Cups , - , {{flagicon , Fiji
Nemani Nadolo Nemani Nadolo (formerly Ratu Nasiganiyavi; born 31 January 1988) is a Fijian-Australian rugby union player. He currently plays for New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby, usually as a wing or centre, and the Fiji national team. Nadolo was ...
, , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Fiji Marika Vunibaka , , – 1999 and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Samoa
Seilala Mapusua Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua (born 27 February 1980) is a retired Samoan rugby player who last played for the Kubota Spears of the Japanese Top League. Prior to his move to Japan in 2011, he also had long stints with the Highlanders in Super Rug ...
, , – 2007 and 2011 World Cup and 2004, 2006, 2008 Pacific Islanders , - , {{flagicon , Samoa Semo Sititi , , – 1999, 2003 and 2007 (Captain) World Cup and 2004, 2006, 2008 Pacific Islanders , - , {{flagicon , Samoa
Alesana Tuilagi Alesana "Alex" Tuilagi (born 24 February 1981) is a former Samoan rugby player. He is a retired footballer, currently residing in Fogapoa Savaii and has appeared numerous times for his national team Samoa. He previously played for Parma in It ...
, , – 2007 and 2011 World Cup and 2006 Pacific Islanders , - , {{flagicon , South Africa Thinus Delport (2008–2010) , , – 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa Jacque Fourie , , – 2006 and 2009 IRB Player of the Year nominee , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , South Africa
Fourie du Preez Petrus Fourie du Preez (; born 24 March 1982) is a South African former professional rugby union player. He played as a scrum half for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup competition and the Bulls in Super Rugby between 2002 and 2011, and for Japa ...
(2011–2016) , , – 2007 (World Champions) and 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa Danie Rossouw , , – 2003, 2007 (World Champions) and 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa
Jaco van der Westhuyzen Jaco van der Westhuyzen (born 6 April 1978) is a South African former professional rugby union footballer who played fly-half or fullback. Early life Born in Groblersdal, Mpumalanga province, South Africa, van der Westhuyzen was educated at B ...
, , – 2003 (Captain) World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa Kwagga Smith (2018–present) , , – 2019 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga Pierre Hola , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga
Hale T-Pole Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, often known simply as Hale T-Pole or Hale T Pole, (born 30 April 1979) is a Tongan rugby union footballer who plays as a flanker or number eight for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Top League in Japan. He has also played i ...
, , – 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga
Sione Tu'ipulotu Sione is a given name and a surname. It may refer to: Given name A – K * Sione Asi (born 1998), New Zealand rugby union player *Sione Fakaʻosilea (born 1987), Tongan rugby union player * Sione Faletau (born 1988), Tongan rugby union player * Sion ...
, , – 1999 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , USA Todd Clever , , – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cup; former USA captain , - , {{flagicon , USA Mike Hercus (2008–2009) , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Wales Shane Williams , , – 2003, 2007, 2011 World Cup and 2005, 2009 and 2013
Lions The lion (''Panthera leo'') is a large cat of the genus '' Panthera'' native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; ad ...


See also

{{Portal, Japan, Sports * Sport in Japan * Rugby in Japan *
Top Challenge League The Top Challenge League was a professional rugby union competition in Japan. It was the second-highest level of rugby competition in the country and is a companies league; all the teams are owned by major companies and the players are generally e ...
(Tier 2) *
Japan national rugby union team The Japan national rugby union team, often known as the Cherry Blossoms, Sakura, and more recently The Brave Blossoms (''ブレイブ・ブロッサムズ - Bureibu burossamuzu'') is traditionally the strongest rugby union power in Asia and has ...
*
Sunwolves The Sunwolves ( Japanese: ) – previously known as the HITO-Communications Sunwolves for sponsorship reasons – were a professional rugby union team and Japan's representative team in SANZAAR's international Super Rugby competition. The team wa ...
* Japan Company Rugby Football Championship *
Major League Rugby Major League Rugby (MLR or USMLR) is a professional rugby union competition and the top-level championship for clubs in North America. In the 2022 season it was contested by thirteen teams: twelve from the United States and one from Canada. Off ...


References

{{reflist, refs= {{cite web , date= 21 August 2014 , title=Top League to introduce new officiating system this season , publisher=The Japan Times , url= http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/08/21/more-sports/rugby/top-league-to-introduce-new-officiating-system-this-season/#.VLUjflcsFFs , url-status=live , archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150113135800/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/08/21/more-sports/rugby/top-league-to-introduce-new-officiating-system-this-season/ , archive-date=13 January 2015


External links


Japan Rugby League One site

Team Profiles
(Japanese)

(Japanese)

{{Japan Rugby Top League {{Rugby union in Japan {{Top-level rugby union club competitions
Japan Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the n ...
Sports leagues established in 2003 2003 establishments in Japan Professional sports leagues in Japan