The Japan Rugby League One has received an immense influx of international talent, ahead of the 2023/24 season. The top stars of the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies are all heading to Japan, with the new season set to commence on December 9th.
This is the third iteration of the competition under the ‘JRLO’ branding, which was previously known as the Japan Top League. The competition is amongst the fastest growing leagues in the world, and boost an exciting array of talent throughout all of the teams. The top stars of Super Rugby often take a year’s sabbatical out in Japan, as the league offers increased financial backing, which sets the players and their families up for life after rugby.
The current reigning champions of the JRLO are Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay. Better known as the Kubota Spears, the side recorded a narrow 17-15 win over Saitama Wild Knights in the final last May, to win their first league title. Japan first established their professional domestic league in 2003/04, wand Kobelco Kobe Steelers take the honour of winning the inaugural competition. Since then, the Steelers have added one more league title (2018/19), with the silverware dominated by three clubs.
Toshiba Brave Lupus (five titles), Suntory Sungoliath (five titles) and the Saitama Wild Knights (six titles) rule the roost in the Far East, and have each bolstered their ranks ahead of the new season. A total of 25 players from the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be in Japan this season, and 13 of which played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final when South Africa defeated New Zealand.
Here is RUCK’s team by team run-down, of the 2023/24 Japan Rugby League One season
TOYOTA VERBLITZ
2022/23 FINISH: 6th
TOP PLAYERS:
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Kazuki Himeno (Japan)
STAR SIGNINGS:
Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
TOKYO SUNTORY SUNGOLIATH
2022/23 FINISH: 4th (3rd Regular Season – Lost Bronze Medal Match vs Cannon Eagles)
TOP PLAYERS:
Samu Kerevi (Australia)
Isaiah Punavai (New Zealand)
STAR SIGNINGS:
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Gareth Anscombe (Wales)
Sam Cane (New Zealand) (Sabattical)