JAPAN’S BLOSSOMS ARE READY TO BLOOM
Japanese rugby is set for yet another revamp in January 2022 when the three-tier 24-team Japan Rugby League One kicks off.
Following on from the Top League, which ran from 2003 to 2021, the new league is supposed to set Japanese rugby on the road to full-time professionalism and, according to Shigetaka Mori, president of the Japan Rugby Football Union, set the standard for all leagues around the world.
“Just as Japanese artisans dedicate their life to refine their skills and create high quality products that astound the world, we will continue to develop the unique aspects of Japanese Rugby to create value that is recognized and loved in Japan and is internationally respected,” he said when details of the competition were released.
“As ‘One Team’ of fans, teams, sponsors, and the wider community, we will strive to make this new league known and loved around the world.”
The new league is also, with the demise of the Sunwolves, supposed to help strengthen the Brave
