The ‘Japanese blood’ plan that could drastically change rugby’s player market

There is a significant change brewing in Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) that will have significant short- and long-term impacts on the player market in the Pacific region, as well as raising hard questions about identity.

In proposals that have created unease and confusion among foreign players, JRLO is proposing that from 2026 onwards at least eight players on the field at any one time have Japanese blood.

The proposed rules – described to this masthead as “huge” by industry sources and almost certain to cause “collateral damage” – are so strict that even foreign-born players who have assimilated into Japanese life, have Japanese passports and have played up to 30 times for Japan won’t be considered “Japanese”.

Only foreigners who have played more than 30 Tests for Japan will be exempt from the new rules: and as an example, even established Test players such as the Australia-raised Dylan Riley aren’t currently at that level.

A final decision is yet to be made, and there is speculation JRLO may be forced to adopt a phased approach given pushback from some clubs.

But if it is introduced, it may help Australia in its constant battle to retain talent, with fewer spots for non-capped players such as Will Harrison available, while Japanese clubs will have to make decisions on players such as Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas, who could take up a non-Japanese spot even if they end up playing for the Brave Blossoms.

Bernard Foley scoring for Kubota in Japan’s League One, beating Harry Hockings (left) and Samu Kerevi (on ground).Credit: Getty

The push, thought to be driven by the Japan Rugby Football Union, comes from a desire to ultimately make the national team more identifiably Japanese.

Sources who spoke to this masthead, requesting anonymity given the sensitivity of the subject, say they understand the desire to create a more “Japanese” national team but point out that it will leave scores of players in no-man’s land.

For years, Japanese clubs have been actively recruiting Australians, New Zealanders, Tongans, Samoans and Fijians – with many leaving straight out of school to take up offers at Japanese universities.

Indeed, Japan’s mantra at the 2019 World Cup – One Team – was a clear reference to this diversity push, and JRLO is now stacked with players of this description.

Will Harrison is now playing in Japan, but in future a non-capped Australian may not get offered a spot.Credit: Getty

At present, they fit into what is known as a “Category A” player in JRLO – either Japanese, or having represented Japan at XVs or sevens, or eligible for Japan through residency.

However, under the proposed change, the majority of these players will no longer be considered Japanese – even if they have Japanese passports, spouses and children.

That reversal may prompt an appeal to World Rugby from at least one player representative, on the grounds it is palpably unfair to those who have made their career choices based on the current policies.

If the changes go ahead, some players will invariably have to be cut.

For example, in the Toyota Brave Lupus v Shizuoka Blue Revs game last weekend – both clubs are in the JRLO top four – neither outfit would pass the “eight Japanese blood” rule.

Among others, the Blue Revs have Australian No.10 Sam Greene – a Category A player – and former NRL cult hero Valynce Te Whare, while Toshiba’s foreign-born players include Richie Mo’unga, Shannon Frizell and New Zealand-born Brave Blossoms second-rower Warner Dearns, who again wouldn’t come under the Japanese quota under the rule change.

The top of the player market isn’t likely to be affected as Japanese clubs continue to target Test stars such as Noah Lolesio and Mark Tele’a, but the many foreign-born Category A players in the country are now wondering whether the welcome mat in Japanese rugby is being retracted.

Those already in the Japanese education system, with a view to playing professional rugby in JRLO, could also find their future opportunities reduced.

Pacific Islanders could be the hardest-hit group of players, with Japan having a long history of recruiting Tongans in particular.

The proposed changes come as Rugby Australia ratchets up its campaign against French clubs for signing young Australians.

That issue has been bubbling away for months but this week RA chair Dan Herbert used the governing body’s AGM to give it to the French with both barrels.

RA is far less likely to go public against the Japanese, given their strategic importance as a partner and relative proximity, but they might quietly welcome any tightening of the JRLO system that has seen the likes of Hockings, Ben Gunter and Lucas pursue careers in Japan.

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