Japan Rugby League One Final: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie signs-off as Kobe Steelers win title

The triumph delivered Kobe their first national title since 2018 and their maiden championship of the League One era, capping Rennie's three-year project in Japan before he departs to take charge of New Zealand.

Having ended a seven-match losing streak against Kubota earlier this season, Kobe backed it up when it mattered most, securing consecutive victories over the Spears for the first time in 18 years. While Kobe entered the decider as the competition's most prolific attacking side, it was their defence that laid the foundations for victory. Kubota dominated possession and territory for much of the opening half and led 13-3 after prop Keijiro Tamefusa crashed over following a superb kick from former All Black Shaun Stevenson.

But Kobe responded through one of the season's standout combinations. Rising star Shunsuke Uenobo produced a clever kick behind the defence for Fijian winger Inoke Burua to score his 15th try of a remarkable campaign.

Despite missing injured Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and tackle machine Tyler Paul, Kubota remained competitive throughout. However, the absence of Marx proved costly as their lineout struggled and Kobe repeatedly disrupted possession at the breakdown. After weathering the early storm, Kobe gradually took control. Fly-half Seungsin Lee was flawless from the kicking tee, contributing 17 points and sealing victory with his sixth successful kick in the closing minutes.

While Lee's accuracy proved decisive, captain Brodie Retallick was named man of the match after another immense display. Fellow All Black Ardie Savea was equally influential, dominating the breakdown and carrying relentlessly during a commanding second-half performance.

The final also marked the end of an era for Kubota. Former Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley signed off with eight points in his final appearance for the club, finishing his League One career with a record 785 points from 73 matches. The 36-year-old has been linked with a return to Super Rugby and the NSW Waratahs.

Veteran Brave Blossoms back-rower Pieter "Lappies" Labuschagne also made his final appearance for the Spears.

Earlier in the weekend, Saitama Wild Knights claimed third place with a 26-19 victory over Tokyo Sungoliath. The match was due to be the final League One appearance of Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe, but the winger was a late withdrawal through injury.

The League One final once again demonstrated the competition's growing popularity, with attendances surpassing 50,000 for the third consecutive championship match. More than 230,000 spectators have now attended the five League One finals since the competition's launch in 2022.

For Rennie, it was the perfect farewell. Before unveiling his first All Blacks squad later this month, the New Zealander leaves Japan having restored Kobe Steelers to the summit of domestic rugby.