Rugby officials in Japan on Friday said they have reached a settlement to allow players with Japanese nationality, but who were born elsewhere, to qualify for the top eligibility category in domestic Rugby League One.
Under proposed rules changes that were to go in effect when the league opens in December, players with Japanese passports, but who were born outside Japan and not educated there during childhood, would have had their eligibility restricted.
In a statement Friday, Japan Rugby League One said it decided “to revise certain requirements.” It said players who acquired Japanese nationality before the end of May 2025, would be treated on a par with native-born players.
