Japan tightens foreign player eligibility requirements in rugby
Rewritten Article:
Shaking Things Up in Japan Rugby League One
Prepare for a shake-up in Japan's top-tier rugby competition, the Japan Rugby League One, starting from the 2026-27 season. The league is introducing new rules to boost the spotlight on domestic players while keeping competition fiery. Here's the lowdown:
Japan Rugby League One will transform the existing player categories (A, B, and C), splitting Category A into A1 and A2.
- Category A1: Comprises players born in Japan, those with Japanese family ties, or individuals who have completed six years of compulsory education in Japan without representing another test-playing nation.
- Category A2: Caters to players who have been registered exclusively with the Japan Rugby Football Union for a span of four years.
These changes also introduce a minimum requirement for teams to field at least eight players who were bred on Japanese soil during games. Exemptions apply for players with over 30 caps for Japan.
These fresh rules might create ripples among foreign-born players currently donning Japan's national jersey.
- Fewer Opportunities for Non-Japanese Players: The demand for more homegrown players on the pitch could diminish opportunities for foreigners, particularly those who don't match the new eligibility criteria or have fewer than 30 caps.
- Notable Affected Players: Top Japan internationals, such as center Dylan Riley and lock Warner Dearns, may not qualify as local players, jeopardizing their squad size in League One clubs if they fail to eclipse the cap threshold.
- Exceptions for Veterans: Players with more than 30 caps, like Michael Leitch, are granted exemptions, enabling them to carry on playing.
League chief operating officer Hajime Shoji acknowledges the peculiar equilibrium these changes create. "No players are being barred from the system," he emphasized, asserting that these adjustments are merely a tilt towards Japanese players as the League One is, in essence, a domestic competition.
Clubs, Shoji reveals, have applauded the shift and contributes constructively to the process, citing their cooperation and support. So, buckle up rugby enthusiasts! The game in Japan's top tier is about to get more "homespun."
© 2025 AFP
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