Japan Rugby League One

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Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:More citations needed Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox rugby league football competition Japan Rugby League One (Template:Langx), formerly known as the Top League (Template:Langx), is a rugby union competition in Japan. It is the highest level of industrial-professional rugby competition in the country. The Japan Rugby Football Union created the competition in 2003, by absorbing the Japan Company Rugby Football Championship. 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.

It is an industrial league, where many players are 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite this measure,the league still remains as a mix of professional and employee players and it has not yet transitioned to a fully professional competition. 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The new competition was formally announced as Japan Rugby League One in July 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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. While Japan Rugby League One's season<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> overlaps with the start of Super Rugby's season,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the Top League played during the off-season of the Super Rugby. Therefore, many full-time foreign professionals from Southern Hemisphere countries played in the Top League, notably Tony Brown, George Gregan and Dan Carter. In the 2010s, salaries in the Top League rose to become some of the highest in the rugby worldTemplate:Cn; in 2012, South Africa's Jaque Fourie, now with Kobelco Steelers, was widely reported to be the world's highest-paid player.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Japan Rugby League One structure

Since 2022, the Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) had three divisions with Division 1 being the top-flight division and holding the most teams.

Level

Total clubs (26)

League(s) / division(s)

1

12

Japan Rugby League One – Division 1
12 clubs – 2 relegation play-offs

2

8

Japan Rugby League One – Division 2
8 clubs – 2 promotion play-offs, 2 relegation play-offs

3

6

Japan Rugby League One – Division 3
6 clubs – 2 promotion play-offs

Developments

File:TopLeaguelogo.png
Former logo 2003–2021
  • 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 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) 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.<ref>Daily Yomiuri, 28 February 2008</ref>
  • 2013–14: The league was expanded from 14 to 16 teams.
  • 2014–15: Video referee (TMO) decisions introduced for all league games.<ref name= jt-2014/>
  • 2014–15: Playoff tournament sponsored as the Lixil Cup.<ref name= jt-2014/>
  • 2021: Japan Rugby League One announced as the new league name, starting from the 2022 season.Template:Citation needed

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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 was introduced, to operate in a league format above the regional leagues.<ref name="Japan to add second-tier rugby league in 2017">Template:Cite news</ref>

The regional leagues are:

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.

In 2025 it was announced that Japan Rugby League One would receive one berth in the inaugural 2028 Rugby Club World Cup organised by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), along with eight sides from EPCR and seven from Super Rugby Pacific.

Seasons

Twelve teams 2003–2006

First season (2003–2004)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The first season began with 12 teams: Template:Div col

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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. 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.

Second season (2004–2005)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Following the 2004 Challenge series with IBM and Toyota being promoted, the following 12 teams competed in the second season: Template:Div col

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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.

Third season (2005–2006)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} 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:

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Toshiba again won both the league round-robin and the Microsoft Cup 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.

Fourteen teams: 2006–2012

Fourth season (2006–2007)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} 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.

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The top four teams in the league played in the Microsoft Cup 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, the third team from Kyushu to enter the league, and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars from Kanto.

Fifth season (2007–2008)

File:Sanix v Kyuden Top League Japan 2008.JPG
Fukuoka Sanix Blues v Kyuden Voltex at Global Arena, Round 11, 20 January 2008

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Kyuden Voltex and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars joined the league for the first time. The following 14 teams were in the Top League in the 2007–08 season: Template:Div col

Template:Colend

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

Sixth season (2008–2009)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Kintetsu Liners returned to the league, and Yokogawa Denki were promoted for the first time (and renamed Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars in the off season). They replaced Ricoh Black Rams and Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars. The following teams were in the league:

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Seventh season (2009–2010)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} 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:

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Eighth season (2010–2011)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Honda Heat and Kyuden Voltex were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2009–10 season for finishing 13th and 14th. Toyota Industries Shuttles and NTT Communications Shining Arcs won promotion through the Top Challenge series. The following teams were in the league:

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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.

Ninth season (2011–2012)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} 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:

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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.

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.

Sixteen teams: 2012 onwards

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Statistics

Finals

Template:See

List of Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) finals
Season Winners Score Runners-up Venue
Top League
2003–04 Template:Flagdeco NEC Green Rockets 24–19 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus National Stadium, Kasumigaoka, Tokyo
2004–05 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus 20–6 Template:Flagdeco Yamaha Júbilo Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2005–06 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus 33–18 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2006–07 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus 14–13 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2007–08 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath 14–10 Template:Flagdeco Sanyo Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2008–09 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus 17–6 Template:Flagdeco Sanyo Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2009–10 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus 6–0 Template:Flagdeco Sanyo Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2010–11 Template:Flagdeco Sanyo Wild Knights 28–23 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2011–12 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath 47–28 Template:Flagdeco Sanyo Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2012–13 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath 19–3 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2013–14 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights 45–22 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2014–15 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights 30–12 Template:Flagdeco Yamaha Júbilo Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2015–16 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights 27–26 Template:Flagdeco Toshiba Brave Lupus Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2016–17 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath 15–10 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2017–18 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath 12–8 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2018–19 Template:Flagdeco Kobelco Steelers 55–5 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
2020 colspan=4 align=center Template:N/A
2021 Template:Flagdeco Panasonic Wild Knights 31–26 Template:Flagdeco Suntory Sungoliath Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Aoyama, Tokyo
Japan Rugby League One (D1)
2022 Template:Flagdeco Saitama Wild Knights 18–12 Template:Flagdeco Tokyo Sungoliath National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2022–23 Template:Flagdeco Spears Tokyo Bay 17–15 Template:Flagdeco Saitama Wild Knights National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2023–24 Template:Flagdeco Brave Lupus Tokyo 24–20 Template:Flagdeco Saitama Wild Knights National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2024–25 Template:Flagdeco Brave Lupus Tokyo 18–13 Template:Flagdeco Spears Tokyo Bay National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2025–26 — National Stadium, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Performance by club

Performances in the Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) by club
Club Title(s) Runners-up Seasons won Seasons runner-up
Template:Flagdeco Brave Lupus Tokyo 7 3 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2023–24, 2024–25 2003–04, 2012–13, 2015–16
Template:FlagdecoTemplate:Flagdeco Saitama Wild KnightsTemplate:EfnTemplate:Efn 6 8 2010–11, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021, 2022 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2022–23, 2023–24
Template:Flagdeco Tokyo SungoliathTemplate:Efn 5 7 2007–08, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18 2005–06, 2006–07, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2018–19, 2021, 2022
Template:Flagdeco Spears Tokyo Bay 1 1 2022–23 2024–25
Template:Flagdeco Green Rockets TokatsuTemplate:Efn 1 0 2003–04 —
Template:Flagdeco Kobe Steelers 1 0 2018–19 —
Template:Flagdeco Shizuoka Blue RevsTemplate:Efn 0 2 — 2004–05, 2014–15

Performance by prefecture

Performances in the Top League and Japan Rugby League One (D1) by prefecture
Prefecture Clubs Title(s) Runners-up Seasons won Seasons runner-up
Template:Flagdeco Tokyo Prefecture Template:Hlist 12 10 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2023–24, 2024–25 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2021, 2022
Template:Flag Saitama Wild KnightsTemplate:EfnTemplate:Efn 5 6 2010–11, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18
Template:Flag Template:Hlist 2 1 2003–04, 2022–23 2024–25
Template:Flag Saitama Wild KnightsTemplate:EfnTemplate:Efn 1 2 2022 2022–23, 2023–24
Template:Flagdeco Hyogo Prefecture Kobe Steelers 1 0 2018–19 —
Template:Flag Shizuoka Blue RevsTemplate:Efn 0 2 — 2004–05, 2014–15

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.

Template:Flagicon Kieran Read (2007–2021) – 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Ben Smith (2007–2022) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Aaron Cruden (2010–2023) – 2011 World Cup (Champions)
Template:Flagicon Beauden Barrett (2011–present) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon TJ Perenara (2012–present) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Sam Whitelock (2010–present) – 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Matt Todd (2011–2023) – 2019 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Brodie Retallick (2012–present) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups (2015 Champions)
Template:Nowrap – 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Ma'a Nonu (2011–2020) – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2011 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Sonny Bill Williams (2012–2020) – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Ryan Crotty (2009–2020) – 2019 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Jerome Kaino (2004–2018) – 2011 and 2015 World Cups (2011 and 2015 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Rico Gear (1999–2010) – 20-capped New Zealand international
Template:Flagicon Leon MacDonald (1997–2010) – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Reuben Thorne (1996–2009) – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Jerry Collins (1999–2015) – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Tony Brown (1999–2011) – 1999 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Quade Cooper (2006–2025) – 2011 World Cup
Template:Nowrap – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Template:Nowrap – 2007 and 2011 World Cups
Template:Nowrap – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Template:Flagicon David Pocock (2016–2018) – 2010 and 2011 IRB Player of the Year nominee; 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Bernard Foley (2015–2016) – 2015 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Matt Giteau (2017–2020) – 2003, 2007 and 2015 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Mark Gerrard (2010–2018) – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon George Gregan (2008–2011) – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups (1999 Champions); 2003 and 2007 World Cup Team Captain
Template:Flagicon George Smith (2011–2018) – 2001 IRB Player of the Year nominee; 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Digby Ioane (2017–2019) – 2011 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Toutai Kefu (2004–2010) – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Stephen Larkham (2008–2011) – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Nathan Grey (2003–2011) – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Ben McCalman (2015–2016) – 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Sean McMahon (2017–present)Template:Pad – 2015 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Wycliff Palu (2016–2017) – 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Joe Roff (2005–2006) – 1999 and 2003 World Cups (1999 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Craig Wing (2010–2013) – Australian Rugby League international
Template:Flagicon Colin Yukes – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon James Haskell (2011–2012) – 2011 World Cup
Template:Flagicon George Kruis (2020–2022) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Joe Launchbury (2022–2023) – 2015 and 2019 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Geoff Parling (2017–2018) – 2012 British and Irish Lions
Template:Flagicon Kele Leawere – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Nemani Nadolo – 2015 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Marika Vunibaka – 1999 and 2003 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Seilala Mapusua – 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2004, 2006 and 2008 Pacific Islanders international
Template:Flagicon Semo Sititi – 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups; 2007 World Cup Team Captain; 2004, 2006 and 2008 Pacific Islanders international
Template:Flagicon Alesana Tuilagi – 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2006 Pacific Islanders international
Template:Flagicon Thinus Delport (2008–2010) – 2003 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Jacque Fourie – 2006 and 2009 IRB Player of the Year nominee
Template:Nowrap – 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2007 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Danie Rossouw – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups (2007 Champions)
Template:Flagicon Jaco van der Westhuyzen – 2003 World Cup Team Captain
Template:Flagicon Kwagga Smith (2018–present) – 2019 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Faf de Klerk (2022–present) – 2019 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Pierre Hola – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Hale T-Pole – 2007 World Cup
Template:Flagicon Sione Tuʻipulotu – 1999 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Todd Clever – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups; former USA captain
Template:Flagicon Mike Hercus (2008–2009) – 2003 and 2007 World Cups
Template:Flagicon Shane Williams – 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups; 2005, 2009 and 2013 British and Irish Lions

See also

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Notes

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References

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Template:Japan Rugby Top League Template:Rugby union in Japan Template:Sports leagues in Japan Template:Top-level rugby union club competitions

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