SportsNaturalized internationals say new rules unfairly override citizenshipTimothy Lafaele, a New Zealand-born Japanese international who plays for Kobe Kobelco Steelers, is one of 24 players lodging a complaint with the Japan Fair Trade Commission about new eligibility rules. (Screenshot from Timothy Lafaele's Instagram page)MASAKO HARAAugust 1, 2026 16:27 JSTTOKYO -- Japan's top domestic rugby league is facing a legal challenge from foreign-born players who say new eligibility rules could force naturalized Japanese internationals out of the competition despite years spent representing the country.
Foreign-born players challenge Japan rugby eligibility rules
Naturalized internationals say new rules unfairly override citizenship
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