# Rugby: Japan has announced tightened eligibility rules in order to give local players more time on the pitch. More than half of the players who started last season’s final of the game’s top tier in the country, the Japan Rugby League One championship, were born overseas. From the 2026/27 season, Japan Rugby League One clubs will have to field at least eight locally-raised players at the same time. Exceptions will be made for players who have more than 30 caps for Japan.
Rugby: Japan tightens rules to give local players more play time