Rugby: League One gives long-term naturalized players equal status

TOKYO - Japan Rugby League One said Friday that naturalized Japanese players will continue to be registered under the same category as their native-born peers from next season, provided they meet a relaxed set of eligibility criteria, including having held Japanese citizenship since at least May 2025.

League One's announcement of the "special transitional measure" signals a compromise following a legal challenge by foreign-born Japanese players who stood to have their playing opportunities reduced under proposed rule changes aimed at increasing game time for Japanese-born players.