Japan internationals prepare legal action over new League One rules
- Mark Pickering
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A large group of overseas-born players who have Japanese citizenship are exploring legal avenues over controversial new player classification rules which come into effect in League One next season.
RugbyJP.com understands that around 30 League One players, a host of whom have played for Japan after qualifying on residency grounds, have put their name to a complaint which will be lodged to the Japan Fair Trade Commission.
Additionally, the group has submitted a petition for a provisional injunction with the Tokyo District Court, demanding a review of the new rules which aims to increase playing time for Japan-born players in the country’s premier club competition.
Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) will introduce new rules which will sub-divide Japan-qualified players into A1 and A2 categories to replace the current A category which covers all players eligible for the Brave Blossoms.
A player must have six or more years of their compulsory education in Japan and 30 or more caps for Japan to be classed as A1.
Players who move from the current A category to the new A2 category could see their playing time reduced with clubs set to reduce the number of foreign-born players with Japan citizenship to accommodate the new rules.
Currently teams are required field 11 or more Category A (Japan-qualified) players on the field at the same time but under the new system teams will be required to field eight or more A1 players.
The players in question opened a dialogue with JRLO in January requesting a review of the new rules but, after several exchanges, no revisions were made.
JRLO’s new rules are already understood to be impacting contract renewal talks.
Speaking after the new rules were introduced almost a year ago in May 2025, JRLO Chief Operating Officer Hajime Shoji said: “No players are being shut out. We are looking to reset the balance in favour a bit more towards Japanese players."
More to follow
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