Naturalized internationals say new rules unfairly override citizenship
Timothy Lafaele, a New Zealand-born Japanese international who plays for Kobe Kobelco Steelers, is one of 24 players lodging a complaint with the Japan Fair Trade Commission about new eligibility rules. (Screenshot from Timothy Lafaele's Instagram page)
August 1, 2026 16:27 JST
TOKYO -- Japan's top domestic rugby league is facing a legal challenge from foreign-born players who say new eligibility rules could force naturalized Japanese internationals out of the competition despite years spent representing the country.
This article was originally published by Nikkei Asia.
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