Japan’s top rugby competition, Rugby League One, has officially updated its eligibility criteria following a recent settlement. Under the new rules, players who were born outside of Japan but have since acquired Japanese nationality will now be permitted to qualify for the league’s top eligibility category.

Previously, restrictions on foreign-born players often limited their status within the domestic league, regardless of their citizenship. By rolling back these requirements, the league aims to better integrate naturalized citizens into the domestic framework. While the league has framed this as a necessary step toward modernization and inclusivity, the specific details regarding how this will impact team rosters and the balance of international versus domestic talent remain to be fully implemented.

This policy shift comes after discussions between league officials and stakeholders regarding the definition of 'domestic' players. The move is expected to affect the composition of teams in the upcoming season, as clubs adjust to the new classification standards. While the league has confirmed the settlement, it has not yet released a comprehensive breakdown of how many players will be immediately affected or if there are further criteria for those seeking to change their eligibility status.