Jul 30, 2026 – 5.19pmTokyo | For decades, Japan’s professional rugby competition has offered Australian players a lucrative second act: shorter seasons, generous salaries and the chance to have careers abroad. Now that pathway is potentially under threat.Twenty-four players have launched legal action against Japan Rugby League One over new eligibility rules they say discriminate against foreign-born players, including naturalised Japanese citizens who have represented Japan internationally.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Japan rugby rule changes for foreigners ‘threaten career pathway’
A group of players has sued Japan Rugby League One over rule changes that could make it harder for Australian-born players to build long-term careers in Japan.
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