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 its m ...

competition in Japan. It is the highest level of professional rugby competition in the country. The

Japan Rugby Football Union The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU; ja, 日本ラグビーフットボール協会, ''Nihon Ragubi- Futtobo-ru Kyo-kai'') is the governing body for rugby union in Japan. It was formed 30 November 1926, and organises matches for the Japan nation ...

created the competition in 2003, by absorbing the

Japan Company Rugby Football Championship The Japan Company Rugby Football Championship (全国社会人ラグビーフットボール大会 ''Zenkoku Shakaijin Ragubi- Futtobo-ru Taikai'') is a former Japanese rugby union competition that ran from 1948 to 2003. Teams from companies or the ...

, 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 was a Japanese rugby union player and coach, who coached the Japan national rugby union team between 1989 and 1991. As a player, he was capped three times by Japan as a scrum-half, and he also advised the Japan Rugby Football Union. He also h ...

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 Super Rugby is a men's professional rugby union club competition involving teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It previously included teams from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa. Building on various Southern Hem ...

, Therefore, many full-time foreign professionals from Southern Hemisphere countries have played in the Top League, notably Tony Brown,

George Gregan George Musarurwa Gregan AM (born 19 April 1973) is a retired Australian rugby union player, and is currently Australia's most capped international player. Gregan was born in Lusaka, Zambia. He played Super 12 (now Super Rugby) for the Brumbies ...

and

Dan Carter Daniel William Carter (born 5 March 1982) is a retired New Zealand rugby union player. Carter played for Crusaders (Super Rugby) in New Zealand and played for New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks. He is the highest point scorer in ...

. 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 ''Jaque'' (Spanish for the Chess move '' check'') was a Spanish chess magazine, published twice a month in Valencia. It started in San Sebastian in 1970 and was the Spanish leading chess magazine since then. Some of the best chess players This l ...

, 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 Black Rams Tokyo (formerly Ricoh Black Rams) is a Japanese rugby union team in the Japan Rugby League One. Placed 10th in the 2004-2005 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it d ...

* Green Rockets Tokatsu *

Kobelco Kobe 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 o ...

Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay (commonly known as the Kubota Spears) is a Japanese rugby union team based in Funabashi, Chiba participating in the Japan Rugby League One. The team rebranded as Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay ahead of the rebr ...

NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka 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 ...

Saitama 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 ...

Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu 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 ...

Shizuoka Blue Revs Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly the Yamaha Júbilo) are a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League (2004–05). They were coached by former A ...

(formerly known as Yamaha Júbilo) *

Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 in ...

Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Japan Rugby League One. Verblitz is a portmanteau of ''verde'' (Spanish and Portuguese for 'green') and ''blitz'' (German for 'lightning'). The team is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation and is ...

Yokohama Canon Eagles The Yokohama Canon Eagles is a Japanese rugby union team founded in 1981 that competes in the Japan Rugby League One and is owned by Canon. The team was previously based in Machida, Tokyo, Japan. According to the official website, it was founded ...

Division 2

Hanazono Kintetsu Liners Hanazono Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team. Their home is at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in H ...

* Hino Red Dolphins * Kamaishi Seawaves *

Mie 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 On ...

Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars also known as Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara Rugby Club, are a Japanese rugby union team based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The owner of this club is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The club was founded in 1981. It ...

* Skyactivs Hiroshima

Division 3

* Chugoku Red Regulions * Kurita Water Gush Akishima *

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 , formerly ''Fukuoka Sanix Blues'' and ''Fukuoka Sanix Bombs'', was a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 (Heisei 6), the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top ...

* Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks * Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi

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 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 ...

. *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 ...

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 Hanazono Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team. Their home is at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Hig ...

* NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes *

NEC Green Rockets 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 unio ...

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 Black Rams Tokyo (formerly Ricoh Black Rams) is a Japanese rugby union team in the Japan Rugby League One. Placed 10th in the 2004-2005 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it d ...

* Suntory Sungoliath *

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 ...

* Toyota Industries Shuttles *

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 Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly the Yamaha Júbilo) are a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League (2004–05). They were coached by former ...

* Hino Red Dolphins * 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 , formerly ''Fukuoka Sanix Blues'' and ''Fukuoka Sanix Bombs'', was a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 (Heisei 6), the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top ...

* NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

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 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)

and

were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2009–10 season for finishing 13th and 14th. Toyota Industries Shuttles and

won promotion through the Top Challenge series. The following teams were in the league: * Coca-Cola West Red Sparks *

Kubota Spears Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay (commonly known as the Kubota Spears) is a Japanese rugby union team based in Funabashi, Chiba participating in the Japan Rugby League One. The team rebranded as Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay ahead of the rebr ...

* Suntory Sungoliath *

* Toyota Industries Shuttles *

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 *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

Sixth season (2008–9)

returned to the league, and Yokogawa Denki were promoted for the first time (and renamed Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars in the off season). They replaced

and

. The following teams were in the league: * Coca-Cola West Red Sparks *

* IBM Big Blue *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

* Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars

Fifth season (2007–8)

and

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 *

* IBM Big Blue *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

The top four teams (Sanyo, Suntory, Toyota and Toshiba) played in the fifth

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 *

* IBM Big Blue *

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 of ...

* Suntory Sungoliath *

World Fighting Bull World Fighting Bull were a Japanese rugby union team that played in the county's Top League Japan Rugby League One (formerly the Top League) is a rugby union competition in Japan. It is the highest level of professional rugby competition in ...

The top four teams in the league played in the

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

, the third team from Kyushu to enter the league, and

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: *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

Toshiba again won both the league round-robin and the

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: *

* Nihon IBM Big Blue *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

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: *

* Suntory Sungoliath *

Toshiba won the inaugural Top League title by finishing on top of the round-robin competition. The top eight teams qualified for the inaugural

. 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 : *

won the

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 Kieran James Read (born 26 October 1985) is a New Zealand former rugby union player. He played as a number 8 and is a former captain of the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks. Read played for New Zealand from 2008 to 2019. He is one of ...

(2007–present) , , – 2011, 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cups , - , Ben Smith (2007–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - ,

Aaron Cruden Aaron Wiremu Cruden (born 8 January 1989) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for Chiefs and formerly Montpellier, Manawatu and New Zealand internationally. Cruden's usual position is first five-eighth (fly half). Early life Crud ...

(2010–present) , , – 2011 (World Champions) World Cup , - , Beauden Barrett (2011–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - , TJ Perenara (2012–present) , , – 2015 (World Champions) and 2019 World Cup , - ,

Sam Whitelock Samuel Lawrence Whitelock (born 12 October 1988) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a lock for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup. Whitelock has captained the Crusaders, and New Zealand in five interna ...

(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. Retallick ...

(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. H ...

(2011–2020) , , – 2003, 2007 and 2011 (World Champions) , - ,

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(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 Rico Levi Gear (born 26 February 1978) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He was a specialist right wing but also covered midfield positions. He is the older brother of New Zealand winger Hosea Gear Club career Gear was educated at Gi ...

(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 (f ...

(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 Rug ...

(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, ...

(2006–present) , , – 2011 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia Adam Ashley-Cooper (2017–2018){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia Berrick Barnes (2013–present){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2007, and 2011 World Cup , - , {{nowrap, {{flagicon , Australia Matt Cockbain (2004–2006){{pad, 1.5em , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2016–2018) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cup, 2010 and 2011 IRB Player of the Year nominee , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2015–2016) , , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

Matt Giteau Matthew James Giteau (born 29 September 1982) is an Australian rugby union professional player who is playing with the LA Giltinis of Major League Rugby (MLR). Giteau joined the Giltinis after a short playing stint with the Gungahlin Eagles in ...

(2017–2020) , , – 2003, 2007, and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2010–2018) , , – 2003, and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2017–2019) , , – 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2004–2010) , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

Stephen Larkham Stephen Larkham (born 29 May 1974) is a retired Australian rugby union professional player, currently in the role of head coach for Brumbies. He spent his career with the Brumbies in Super Rugby, for whom he played from the inception of the pro ...

(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 (2015–2016) , , – 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Sean McMahon (2017–present){{pad, 1.5em , , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

Wycliff Palu Wycliff Palu (born 27 July 1982), known as Cliffy Palu, is an Australian former professional rugby union footballer of Tongan descent. He played for the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby and represented in 58 tests. Early life Palu was ...

(2016–2017) , , – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia

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(2005–2006) , , – 1999 (World Champions) and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Australia Craig Wing (2010–2013) , , – Australian Rugby League international , - , {{flagicon , Canada

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, , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , England

James Haskell James Andrew Welbon Haskell (born 2 April 1985) is an English former rugby union player who played for Wasps RFC and Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership, and internationally for England. In August 2019 he announced he would become a ...

(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 Rugby union positions#Locks, lock for Saracens F.C., Saracens and represented England national rugby union team, England and the Br ...

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(2017–2018) , , – 2012

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, - , {{flagicon , Fiji Kele Leawere , , – 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 t ...

, , – 2015 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Fiji

Marika Vunibaka Marika "Dawainavesi" Vunibaka (born 3 November 1974) is a Fijian former rugby union player. He represented the Fiji national team on numerous occasions, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia. ...

, , – 1999 and 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Samoa Seilala Mapusua , , – 2007 and 2011 World Cup and 2004, 2006, 2008

Pacific Islanders Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the Pacific Islands. As an ethnic/ racial term, it is used to describe the original peoples—inhabitants and diasporas—of any of the three major subregions of Oce ...

, - , {{flagicon , Samoa

Semo Sititi Semo Sititi (born 6 March 1974) is a rugby union footballer in Samoa. He was born in Motootua. Career He is a flanker and currently plays for Ricoh in Japan, having previously played for Celtic League side Border Reivers and Manu Samoa interna ...

, , – 1999, 2003 and 2007 (Captain) World Cup and 2004, 2006, 2008

, - , {{flagicon , Samoa Alesana Tuilagi , , – 2007 and 2011 World Cup and 2006

, - , {{flagicon , South Africa Thinus Delport (2008–2010) , , – 2003 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa

Jacque Fourie Jacque is a given name and a surname which may refer to: __NOTOC__ People * Jacque Batt (died 2014), American First Lady of Idaho 1994-1999 * Jaque Fourie (born 1983), South African former rugby union rugby player * Jacque Fresco (1916–2017), Ame ...

, , – 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 Ja ...

(2011–2016) , , – 2007 (World Champions) and 2011 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa

Danie Rossouw Daniel Jacobus Rossouw (born 5 June 1978) is a South African former professional rugby union footballer who played as a second row forward or back row forward. He played for the Bulls in the Super Rugby competition. Rossouw made his provincia ...

, , – 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 ...

, , – 2003 (Captain) World Cup , - , {{flagicon , South Africa

Kwagga Smith Albertus Stephanus Smith (born 11 June 1993), known professionally as Kwagga Smith, is a South African rugby union player for the South Africa national team, the in Super Rugby and Yamaha Júbilo in the Japanese Top League. His regular positi ...

(2018–present) , , – 2019 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga

Pierre Hola Pierre Hola (born 9 June 1978) is an Australia-born rugby union footballer. He has represented Tonga and currently plays his club rugby in the Australian Shute Shield for Eastwood. Career Hola made his debut for Tonga in September 1998 in a ma ...

, , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga Hale T-Pole , , – 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Tonga Sione Tu'ipulotu , , – 1999 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , USA

Todd Clever Todd Stanger Clever (born January 16, 1983) is an American retired rugby union player. He became the first American to play Super Rugby. At the international level, he was a member of the United States national team, served as captain, and is t ...

, , – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cup; former USA captain , - , {{flagicon , USA

Mike Hercus Mike Hercus (born June 5, 1979) is a retired rugby union player who played at fly-half for the United States national team and several top level professional clubs around the globe. Hercus is the USA Eagles' all-time leading scorer with 465 poi ...

(2008–2009) , , – 2003 and 2007 World Cup , - , {{flagicon , Wales

Shane Williams Shane Mark Williams, (born 26 February 1977) is a Welsh rugby union player most famous for his long and successful tenure as a wing for the Ospreys and the Wales national team. He also played scrum-half on occasion. Williams is the record tr ...

, , – 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; adult ...

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 north ...

Sports leagues established in 2003 2003 establishments in Japan Professional sports leagues in Japan

Rugby System's Divisions

Division 1

Division 2

Division 3

Developments

Related competitions

Seasons

Sixteen teams: 2012 onwards

Fourteen teams: 2006 to 2012

Ninth season (2011–12)

Eighth season (2010–11)

Seventh season (2009–10)

Sixth season (2008–9)

Fifth season (2007–8)

Fourth season (2006–7)

Twelve teams 2003 to 2006

Third season (2005–6)

Second season (2004–5)

First season (2003–4)

Champions

Notable foreign players

See also

References

External links