LERIRO FUKUOKA

Japan's top rugby competition bucks trends, continues to grow as the game faces headwinds elsewhere

The Japan Rugby League One is experiencing historic growth, adding three new clubs next season, bringing the total to 26 teams across three divisions. Large corporations in Japan are sponsoring teams, and top foreign players are drawn to the league at a younger age, staying longer. This growth is in contrast to financial struggles faced by professional rugby in England, New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere.