Japan unveils 25-team domestic competition
TOKYO - The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has confirmed that 25 teams will compete in a new three-division league format that begins in 2022.
In a bold move the country's governing body have laid out their main objectives for the farreaching domestic tournament, which include to ensure high-quality rugby union and evenly matched fixtures. The exciting new tournament will consist of three divisions and be operated as an open league with yearly promotion/relegation between the divisions.
There will be 12 teams playing in Division One, who will be split into two conferences, while seven teams are poised to compete in Division Two, each looking to secure promotion to the top flight. Division Three is set be a corporate/local side league that will consist of six teams to challenge the top sides in the future.
Clubs: NEC Green Rockets, NTT Communications ShiningArcs, NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, Kamaishi Sheawaves RFC, Canon Eagles, Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex, Kintetsu Liners, Kubota Spears, Kurita Water RFC Water Gush, Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers, CocaCola Red Sparks, Suntory Sungoliath, Shimizu Rugby Football Club Team Blue Sharks, Chugoku Electric Power Red Regulions, Toshiba Brave Lupus, Toyota Verblitz, Toyota Industries Corporation Shuttles, Panasonic Wild Knights, Hino Red Dolphins, Honda HEAT, Mazda Blue Zoomers, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars, Munakata Sanix Blues, Yamaha Jubilo, Ricoh Black Rams.