12 Japan-based stars who could switch nations in 2026/27

RugbyJP.com has compiled a 12-man list of high-profile Japan Rugby League One players who could potentially switch Test nations in the 2026/2027 season.

Notes: This is a list of players who have the possibility of changing nations (as it stands) providing they complete a mandatory three-year stand down period from their last Test match. All requests for a change in nationality are subject to approval by World Rugby.

(Foreign-born Japan internationals are less likely to make the switch to another nation such as their homeland as their status in Japan Rugby League One would change from Category A to Category C (foreign Test internationals) of which clubs are only allowed to register three players for the season.

Players are listed in chronological order of when they are eligible to represent another country:

Ataata Moeakiola (30) – Kobe Steelers  Position: Wing

Potential switch: Japan to Tonga  

Qualification criteria: Born in Tonga

Eligible: Now 

Last Test match: 6 September 2019, JAPAN vs. South Africa

Akira Ioane (31) – Hanazono Kintetsu Liners   Position: No. 8

Potential switch: New Zealand to Samoa   Qualification criteria: Samoan father (Eddie Ioane)

Eligible: Now 

Last Test match: 13 November 2022, NEW ZEALAND vs. Scotland

Shaun Stevenson (29) – Kubota Spears   Position: Full-back

Switch: New Zealand to Samoa  

Qualification criteria: Family heritage

Eligible: Now  

Last Test match: 5 August 2023, NEW ZEALAND vs. Australia

Note: RugbyJP.com broke the exclusive story in June that Stevenson has pledged his international future to Samoa and could debut in the Autumn

Jordan Petaia (26) – Urayasu D-Rocks  Position: Utility-back

Potential switch: Australia to Samoa  Qualification criteria: Samoa-born father (Tielu Petaia)

Eligible: September 2026  

Last Test match - 24 September 2023, AUSTRALIA vs. Wales

Semisi Masirewa (34) - Mitsubishi Dynaboars  Position: Full-back/wing

Potential switch: Japan to Fiji  Qualification criteria: Born in Fiji

Eligible: September 2026 

Last Test match: 17 September 2023, JAPAN vs. England

Mark Nawaqanitawase (25) – Saitama Wild Knights  Position: Wing

Potential switch: Australia to Fiji or Italy   Qualification criteria: Family heritage - Fijian father and an Italian grandfather Eligible: October 2026 

Last Test match: 1 October 2023, AUSTRALIA vs. Portugal

Kotaro Matsushima (33) – Suntory Sungoliath   Position: Full-back/wing

Potential switch: Japan to Zimbabwe or South Africa Qualification criteria: Zimbabwean father / Born in South Africa

Eligible: October 2026 

Last Test match: 8 October 2023, JAPAN vs. Argentina

Samu Kerevi (32) – Urayasu D-Rocks  Position: Centre

Potential switch: Australia to Fiji 

Qualification criteria: Born in Fiji

Eligible: November 2027 

Last Test match: 17 November 2024, AUSTRALIA vs. Wales

Mark Tele'a (29) – Toyota Verblitz  

Position: Wing

Potential switch: New Zealand to South Africa or Samoa   Qualification criteria: South African father / Samoan mother

Eligible: November 2027  

Last Test match: 23 November 2024, NEW ZEALAND vs. Italy

Stephen Perofeta (29) – Yokohama Canon Eagles 

Position: Fly-half/full-back Switch: New Zealand to Samoa  Qualification criteria: Family heritage Eligible: November 2027  

Last Test match: 8 November 2024, NEW ZEALAND vs. Ireland

Tevita Tatafu (30) - Suntory Sungoliath   Position: No. 8

Potential switch: Japan to Samoa or Tonga

Qualification criteria: Born in American Samoa / Grew up in Tonga

Eligible: November 2027   

Last Test match: 24 November 2024, JAPAN vs. England

David Havili (31) – Toshiba Brave Lupus 

Position: Centre

Potential switch: New Zealand to Tonga 

Qualification criteria: Family heritage (His Japan-bound brother William plays for Tonga)

Qualifies: November 2027  

Last Test match: 23 November 2024, NEW ZEALAND vs. Italy

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for full on-site coverage of the build-up to the 2026/2027 season