Top League - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The Top League is a professional rugby union

Rugby union

Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...

league created by the Japan Rugby Football Union

Japan Rugby Football Union

The Japan Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Japan. It was formed November 30, 1926 and is currently one of only two federations from a "Tier 2" country with a seat on the International Rugby Board executive council, the sport's international governing body...

to drive up the overall standard and popularity of the sport in the country and improve the results of the Japan national rugby union team

Japan national rugby union team

The Japan national rugby union team represent Japan in international rugby union competitions. Japan is traditionally the strongest rugby union power in Asia but has both enjoyed and endured mixed results against non-Asian teams over the years...

. The first season was 2003-04 and featured 12 teams. From the 2006-07 season, the league was expanded to include 14 teams like SANZAR's then Super 14

Super 14

Super Rugby is the largest and pre-eminent professional Rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere...

and France's Top 14.

The chief architect of the league was Hiroaki Shukuzawa

Hiroaki Shukuzawa

was a successful rugby coach of the Japan national rugby union team until now. As a player, he was capped three times by Japan as a scrum-half, and he also advised the Japan Rugby Football Union. He held important posts as a banker also....

who strongly felt the urgency of improving Japanese domestic company rugby to a professional level which would allow Japan to compete more convincingly at Rugby World Cups. Many full-time foreign professionals (mainly from Australia and New Zealand) have played in the Top League, notably Tony Brown

Tony Brown (rugby player)

Tony Eion Brown is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, playing mainly at first five-eighth .-Early life:...

and George Gregan

George Gregan

George Musarurwa Gregan AM is an Australian rugby union halfback who has made more appearances for his national team than any other player in the sport's history....

Major Developments and Rule Changes

From the 2008-09 season, three foreign players will be allowed on the field at one time, one more than previously allowed. In addition to the three foreigners, one member of an Asian union, such as South Koreans Kim Kwang Mo
Kim Kwang Mo
Kim Kwang Mo is a South Korean rugby union player. He plays as a prop.- External links :*...

(Sanyo Wild Knights
Sanyo Wild Knights
Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...

) and Choi Ki Joon (Fukuoka Sanix Blues
Fukuoka Sanix Blues
, formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...

), will be allowed to take the field. From the 2009-10 season one of the three must have played for Japan or be eligible to do so. (Daily Yomiuri, February 28, 2008). Video referee decisions will be introduced in this season's Microsoft Cup.

From the 2007-08 season a timekeeping system independent of the referee was introduced.
From the 2006-07 season the league was expanded from 12 to 14 teams.

2010-11 season

Pre-season

Honda Heat

Honda Heat

Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor....

and Kyuden Voltex

Kyuden Voltex

Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. . The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based in Kashii, Fukuoka and from the 2007-8 season is playing in the...

were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2009-10 season for finishing 13th and 14th.

Toyota Industries Shuttles and NTT Shining Arcs

NTT Shining Arcs

NTT Shining Arcs RFC is a Rugby Union Team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Top League Competition. The current coach is Masato Hayashi, the previous Head Coach of Keio University Rugby Team.The team is based in Ichikawa city, Chiba....

won promotion through the Top Challenge series.

Teams

Team	Region
Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...	Fukuoka Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.... , Kyushu
Fukuoka Sanix Blues Fukuoka Sanix Blues , formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...	Osaka Osaka Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :... , Kansai
Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...	Hyogo Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :... , Kansai
Kubota Spears Kubota Spears Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...	Chiba, Kanto
NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. The team's captain is . The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who is currently the captain of the Japan national rugby union team. Before the semi-professional Top League was created, the team was just known as "NEC"...	Chiba, Kanto
NTT Shining Arcs NTT Shining Arcs NTT Shining Arcs RFC is a Rugby Union Team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Top League Competition. The current coach is Masato Hayashi, the previous Head Coach of Keio University Rugby Team.The team is based in Ichikawa city, Chiba....	Chiba, Chiba
Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...	Tokyo, Kanto
Sanyo Wild Knights Sanyo Wild Knights Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...	Gunma Gunma Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the northwest corner of the Kantō region on Honshu island. Its capital is Maebashi.- History :The remains of a Paleolithic man were found at Iwajuku, Gunma Prefecture, in the early 20th century and there is a public museum there.Japan was without horses until... , Kanto
Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Verblitz is a conflation of verde and blitz . The team is owned by Toyota Jidosha and is separate from, and not to be confused with, the Toyota Industries Shuttles rugby team, owned by Toyota Industries...	Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :... , Tokai
Toyota Industries Shuttles	Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :... , Mizuho
Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...	Shizuoka Shizuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka.- History :Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun... , Tokai

Championship Play-offs

Top 4 sides of the regular season competed in a knock out tournament to fight for the Top League title. The top 4 teams of 10-11 were Toshiba Brave Lupus, Sanyo Wild Knights, Toyota Verblitz and Suntory Sungoliath.

In semi final 1, Suntory defeated Toshiba 17-12 and in semi final 2, Sanyo defeated Toyota 32-10.

In the final, Sanyo defeated Suntory 28-23.

Seventh season (2009–10)

For further details see 2009–10 Top League.

Pre-season

IBM Big Blue and Yokogawa Atlastars were automatically relegated at the completion of the 2008-9 season for finishing 13th and 14th.

Ricoh and Honda won promotion through the Top Challenge series.

Kyuden and Sanix retained their places in Top League when they won their respective promotion and relegation play-offs.

Teams

Team	Region
Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...	Fukuoka Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.... , Kyushu
Fukuoka Sanix Blues Fukuoka Sanix Blues , formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
Honda Heat Honda Heat Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor....	Suzuka, Mie
Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...	Osaka Osaka Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :... , Kansai
Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...	Hyogo Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :... , Kansai
Kubota Spears Kubota Spears Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...	Chiba, Kanto
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. . The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based in Kashii, Fukuoka and from the 2007-8 season is playing in the...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. The team's captain is . The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who is currently the captain of the Japan national rugby union team. Before the semi-professional Top League was created, the team was just known as "NEC"...	Chiba, Kanto
Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...	Tokyo, Kanto
Sanyo Wild Knights Sanyo Wild Knights Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...	Gunma Gunma Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the northwest corner of the Kantō region on Honshu island. Its capital is Maebashi.- History :The remains of a Paleolithic man were found at Iwajuku, Gunma Prefecture, in the early 20th century and there is a public museum there.Japan was without horses until... , Kanto
Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Verblitz is a conflation of verde and blitz . The team is owned by Toyota Jidosha and is separate from, and not to be confused with, the Toyota Industries Shuttles rugby team, owned by Toyota Industries...	Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :... , Tokai
Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...	Shizuoka Shizuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka.- History :Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun... , Tokai

Sixth season (2008-9)

For further details see 2008-09 Top League
2008-09 Top League
The Top League is a semi-professional rugby union competition which is played in Japan. The Top League is at the top of the national league system in Japan, with promotion and relegation between the Top League and the next level down...

.

Pre-season

Kintetsu Liners

Kintetsu Liners

Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...

returned to the league, and Yokogawa Denki were promoted for the first time (and renamed Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars

Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars

Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars is a Japanese rugby team based in Musashino, Tokyo.They were promoted to the Top League for the first time ever for Season 2008-09 and spent there one season before relegation.- Squad :...

in the off season). They replaced Ricoh Black Rams

Ricoh Black Rams

Ricoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...

and Mitsubishi Dynaboars.

Teams

Team	Region
Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...	Fukuoka Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.... , Kyushu
Fukuoka Sanix Blues Fukuoka Sanix Blues , formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
IBM Big Blue IBM Big Blue IBM Big Blue is a Japanese semi-professional rugby union team in the Top League, founded in 1976 by IBM. The company decided to make rugby, along with baseball and American football, one of the official company sports in 1989, which allowed the rugby club to gain support and momentum.Big Blue won...	Chiba Chiba Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region and the Greater Tokyo Area. Its capital is Chiba City.- History :Chiba Prefecture was established on June 15, 1873 with the merger of Kisarazu Prefecture and Inba Prefecture... , Kanto
Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...	Osaka Osaka Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :... , Kansai
Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...	Hyogo Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :... , Kansai
Kubota Spears Kubota Spears Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...	Chiba, Kanto
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. . The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based in Kashii, Fukuoka and from the 2007-8 season is playing in the...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. The team's captain is . The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who is currently the captain of the Japan national rugby union team. Before the semi-professional Top League was created, the team was just known as "NEC"...	Chiba, Kanto
Sanyo Wild Knights Sanyo Wild Knights Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...	Gunma Gunma Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the northwest corner of the Kantō region on Honshu island. Its capital is Maebashi.- History :The remains of a Paleolithic man were found at Iwajuku, Gunma Prefecture, in the early 20th century and there is a public museum there.Japan was without horses until... , Kanto
Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Verblitz is a conflation of verde and blitz . The team is owned by Toyota Jidosha and is separate from, and not to be confused with, the Toyota Industries Shuttles rugby team, owned by Toyota Industries...	Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :... , Tokai
Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...	Shizuoka Shizuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka.- History :Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun... , Tokai
Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars is a Japanese rugby team based in Musashino, Tokyo.They were promoted to the Top League for the first time ever for Season 2008-09 and spent there one season before relegation.- Squad :...	Tokyo, Kanto

Fifth season (2007-8)

For further details see 2007-08 Top League
2007-08 Top League
The Top League is a semi-professional league at the top of Japanese domestic rugby union, now played between 14 teams like the Super 14 and the Top 14. For the first time from this, the fifth season, timekeepers were introduced...

.

Pre-season

Kyuden Voltex

Kyuden Voltex

and Mitsubishi Dynaboars joined the league for the first time.

Teams

There are 14 teams, given in alphabetical order with their geographical location by prefecture, as follows:

Team	Region
Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...	Fukuoka Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.... , Kyushu
Fukuoka Sanix Blues Fukuoka Sanix Blues , formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
IBM Big Blue IBM Big Blue IBM Big Blue is a Japanese semi-professional rugby union team in the Top League, founded in 1976 by IBM. The company decided to make rugby, along with baseball and American football, one of the official company sports in 1989, which allowed the rugby club to gain support and momentum.Big Blue won...	Chiba Chiba Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region and the Greater Tokyo Area. Its capital is Chiba City.- History :Chiba Prefecture was established on June 15, 1873 with the merger of Kisarazu Prefecture and Inba Prefecture... , Kanto
Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...	Hyogo Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :... , Kansai
Kubota Spears Kubota Spears Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...	Chiba, Kanto
Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. . The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based in Kashii, Fukuoka and from the 2007-8 season is playing in the...	Fukuoka, Kyushu
Mitsubishi Dynaboars	Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefecture is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan. The capital is Yokohama. Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.-History:The prefecture has some archaeological sites going back to the Jōmon period... , Kanto
NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets NEC Green Rockets is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. The team's captain is . The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who is currently the captain of the Japan national rugby union team. Before the semi-professional Top League was created, the team was just known as "NEC"...	Chiba, Kanto
Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams Ricoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...	Tokyo, Kanto
Sanyo Wild Knights Sanyo Wild Knights Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...	Gunma Gunma Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the northwest corner of the Kantō region on Honshu island. Its capital is Maebashi.- History :The remains of a Paleolithic man were found at Iwajuku, Gunma Prefecture, in the early 20th century and there is a public museum there.Japan was without horses until... , Kanto
Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...	Tokyo, Kanto
Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Verblitz is a conflation of verde and blitz . The team is owned by Toyota Jidosha and is separate from, and not to be confused with, the Toyota Industries Shuttles rugby team, owned by Toyota Industries...	Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :... , Tokai
Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...	Shizuoka Shizuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka.- History :Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun... , Tokai

Post-season

The top four teams (Sanyo, Suntory, Toyota and Toshiba) played in the fifth Microsoft Cup

Microsoft Cup

The Microsoft Cup is a knock-out Japanese rugby union tournament sponsored by Microsoft Japan, first played in February 2004. For the first three seasons the top eight teams of the Top League participated and it was a separate competition to the Top League, but in 2007 this was cut to the top four...

to decide the league champion. Suntory Sungoliath

Suntory Sungoliath

Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...

beat Sanyo Wild Knights

Sanyo Wild Knights

Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...

14-10 in the final on February 24, 2008 to become the 2007-08 League Champions.

Mitsubishi Dynaboars (14th) and Ricoh Black Rams

Ricoh Black Rams

(13th) were automatically relegated.

Fourth season (2006-7)

Pre-season

The number of teams was increased from 12 to 14. Coca Cola became the second Kyushu-based team in the Top League. IBM returned to the league.

Teams

Coca Cola West Red Sparks

Coca Cola West Red Sparks

Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...

Fukuoka Sanix Blues

, formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...

IBM Big Blue

IBM Big Blue is a Japanese semi-professional rugby union team in the Top League, founded in 1976 by IBM. The company decided to make rugby, along with baseball and American football, one of the official company sports in 1989, which allowed the rugby club to gain support and momentum.Big Blue won...

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...

Kubota Spears

Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...

NEC Green Rockets

NEC Green Rockets is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. The team's captain is . The previous captain was Takuro Miuchi, who is currently the captain of the Japan national rugby union team. Before the semi-professional Top League was created, the team was just known as "NEC"...

Ricoh Black Rams

Sanyo Wild Knights

Secom Rugguts

Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team which was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season...

Suntory Sungoliath

Toshiba Brave Lupus

Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...

Toyota Verblitz

Toyota Verblitz is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Verblitz is a conflation of verde and blitz . The team is owned by Toyota Jidosha and is separate from, and not to be confused with, the Toyota Industries Shuttles rugby team, owned by Toyota Industries...

World Fighting Bull

World Fighting Bull is a Top League team but was demoted at the end of the Top League fourth season. It is from Kobe in the Kansai area of Japan, and therefore a local rival of Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers. World Co...

Yamaha Jubilo

Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...

Post-season

The top four teams in the league played in the Microsoft Cup

Microsoft Cup

which was officially integrated into the league from this season as the "Top League Play-off Tournament Microsoft Cup". The cup was won by Toshiba Brave Lupus

Toshiba Brave Lupus

which also won the All-Japan Championship

All-Japan Rugby Football Championship

The All-Japan Rugby Football Championship is played at the end of the season and now includes Top League teams, the top two universities and the champion club team as decided in the respective championships...

.

Secom and World (13th and 14th) were automatically relegated, to be replaced by Kyuden Voltex

Kyuden Voltex

, the third team from Kyushu to enter the league, and Mitsubishi Dynaboars from Kanto.

Third season (2005-6)

Pre-season

After the play-offs (see Top Challenge series below for details) the twelve teams were as follows. Secom and Sanix returned after a season out of the league, replacing Kintetsu and IBM.

Teams

Fukuoka Sanix Blues

Fukuoka Sanix Blues

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...

Kubota Spears

Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...

NEC Green Rockets

Ricoh Black Rams

Sanyo Wild Knights

Secom Rugguts

Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team which was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season...

Suntory Sungoliath

Toshiba Brave Lupus

Toyota Verblitz

World Fighting Bull

Yamaha Jubilo

Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...

Post-season

The top eight teams played in the Microsoft Cup

Microsoft Cup

.

Coca Cola West Japan (now Coca Cola Red Sparks) gained promotion to the League at the end of the season. IBM returned to the league.

Second season (2004-5)

Pre-season

IBM and Toyota gained promotion.

Teams

Kintetsu Liners

Kintetsu Liners

Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...

Kubota Spears

Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...

NEC Green Rockets

Nihon IBM Big Blue

Ricoh Black Rams

Ricoh Black Rams

Toyota Verblitz

Yamaha Jubilo

Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...

Post-season

The top eight teams played in the inaugural Microsoft Cup

Microsoft Cup

.

The eleventh and twelfth teams (Kintetsu and IBM) were automatically relegated, and the ninth and tenth placed teams (World and Ricoh) had to win play-offs to stay in the Top League, which they did.

First season (2003-4)

The first season began with 12 teams.

Teams

Fukuoka Sanix Blues

Fukuoka Sanix Blues

Kintetsu Liners

Kintetsu Liners rugby team are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kintetsu Corporation which was founded in 1929. They have won the All-Japan Championship three times as an amateur team...

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers

Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...

Kubota Spears

Kubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...

NEC Green Rockets

Ricoh Black Rams

Sanyo Wild Knights

Secom Rugguts

Secom Rugguts is a Japanese rugby union team which was in the Top League for the first season of the league but was demoted at the end of the season...

Suntory Sungoliath

Toshiba Brave Lupus

World Fighting Bull

Yamaha Jubilo

Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...

Post-season

Secom and Sanix were relegated at the end of the season. IBM and Toyota were promoted.

Top League Challenge series (2005)

(Note: The information below relates to the 2005 series. For details of the 2008 series see here.)

The top-placed regional teams from East Japan, West Japan and Kyushu played each other in Top Challenge One. The top two were automatically promoted, replacing the 11th and 12th teams which were automatically relegated. The third-placed team played the 10th placed Top League team, with the winner of that game taking a Top League place.

The second-placed regional teams played each other in Top Challenge Two for the right to play the 9th placed Top League team, with the winner taking a Top League place.

This structure continues unchanged in 2008, except that there are now 14 teams (not 12) in the Top League.

Top Challenge One

2005

January 16: Secom Rugguts 0 Fukuoka Sanix Bombs 34 (Komazawa, Tokyo)

January 23: Fukuoka Sanix Bombs 41 Toyota Jido Shokki [Toyota Industries] 36 (Hakata no Mori, Fukuoka)

January 29: Toyota Jido Shokki 17 Secom Rugguts 24 (Mizuho Koen, Nagoya)

So Sanix and Secom were promoted to the Top League for 2005-6.

Top Challenge Two

January 16: Mitsubishi Juko [Heavy Industries] Sagamihara 14 Coca Cola West Japan

Coca Cola West Red Sparks

Coca Cola West Red Sparks RFC is a Japanese company-owned rugby union team based in Fukuoka city, Kyūshū...

62 (Komazawa, Tokyo)

January 23: Coca Cola West Japan 15 Honda Heat

Honda Heat

Honda Heat is a Japanese rugby union team based in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The owner of the club is Honda Motor....

28 (Hakata no Mori, Fukuoka)

January 29: Honda Heat 31 Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara 54 (Mizuho Koen, Nagoya)

So Honda Heat won the right to play World Fighting Bull

World Fighting Bull

for a place in the Top League 2005-6. (Honda Heat came top in Top Challenge Two because they gained a bonus point for the number of tries scored against Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara.)

Promotion/Relegation games (Irekaesen)

February 13

Toyota Jido Shokki 7 Ricoh Black Rams 42

Honda Heat 0 World Fighting Bull 49

So Ricoh and World stayed in the Top League for the 2006-7 season.

Top League Champions

Season	Cup champions
2003-04	Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers are a Japanese rugby union team owned by Kobe Steel, Ltd., and based in Kobe. They were the first ever Top League champions when the League started in the 2003-4 season...
2004-05	Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...
2005-06	Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...
2006-07	Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...
2007-08 2007-08 Top League The Top League is a semi-professional league at the top of Japanese domestic rugby union, now played between 14 teams like the Super 14 and the Top 14. For the first time from this, the fifth season, timekeepers were introduced...	Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath Suntory Sungoliath is owned by the Suntory beverage company and is one of the Japanese rugby union teams in the Top League. The team is based in Fuchū, Tokyo, as is their local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus...
2008-09 2008-09 Top League The Top League is a semi-professional rugby union competition which is played in Japan. The Top League is at the top of the national league system in Japan, with promotion and relegation between the Top League and the next level down...	Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...
2009-10 2009-10 Top League The Top League is a semi-professional rugby union competition which is played in Japan. The Top League is at the top of the national league system in Japan, with promotion and relegation between the Top League and the next level down...	Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus Toshiba Brave Lupus is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. They are based in Fuchu, Tokyo, as is their local rival Suntory Sungoliath. They won the second ever Top League championship in the 2004-5 season and the Microsoft Cup in 2005 under their innovative and inventive coach Masahiro...
2010-11 2010-11 Top League The Top League is a semi-professional rugby union competition which is played in Japan. The Top League is at the top of the national league system in Japan, with promotion and relegation between the Top League and the next level down...	Sanyo Wild Knights Sanyo Wild Knights Panasonic Wild Knights is a Japanese rugby union team based in Ōta city, Gunma prefecture which plays in the Top League. Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half , it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season.All-Japan Champions:...

Famous foreign players

George Gregan

George Musarurwa Gregan AM is an Australian rugby union halfback who has made more appearances for his national team than any other player in the sport's history....

- 1999

1999 Rugby World Cup

The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup, and the first to be held in rugby union's professional era. The principal host nation was Wales, although the majority of matches were played outside the country, shared between England, France, Scotland and Ireland...

, 2003

2003 Rugby World Cup

The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby World Cup and was won by England. Originally planned to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, all games were shifted to Australia following a contractual dispute over ground signage rights between the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and Rugby World...

and 2007

2007 Rugby World Cup

The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. Twenty nations competed for the Webb Ellis Cup in the tournament, which was hosted by France from 7 September to 20 October. France won the hosting rights in 2003,...

World Cup player Stephen Larkham

Stephen Larkham

Stephen Larkham is an Australian rugby union footballer currently playing for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan. He is best known for his career with the Brumbies in Super Rugby, for whom he played from the inception of the professional Super 12 in 1996 through 2007, and his long tenure with the...

- 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cup player Matt Cockbain

Matt Cockbain

Matt Cockbain is an Australian rugby union footballer. He played over 60 times for the national team, the Wallabies. He made his debut for Australia in 1997 in Brisbane, in a Test match against France....

- 1999 and 2003 World Cup player Nathan Grey - 1999 and 2003 World Cup player Toutai Kefu

Toutai Kefu

Toutai Kefu is a rugby player who won 60 caps playing at number eight for the Australian rugby union side .-Career:...

- 1999 and 2003 World Cup player Joe Roff

Joe Roff

Joe Roff is a retired Australian rugby union footballer and a product of the Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union Club in Canberra, who played on the wing or at fullback for Brumbies and Australia and played 5 tests as a centre in the early part of his test career...

- 1999 and 2003 World Cup player Mark Gerrard

Mark Gerrard

Mark Gerrard is an Australian professional rugby union footballer. He currently plays for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby competition. In 2011 he was one of 10 players nominated to become the competition's Super Rugby player of the year....

- 2003 and 2007 World Cup player Craig Wing

Craig Wing

Craig Wing is an Australian rugby union player. He currently plays rugby union in Japan. A former rugby league player for New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international utility player, Wing played for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters.-South Sydney Rabbitohs:Craig Wing was a...

- Australian Rugby League player Colin Yukes

Colin Yukes

Colin Yukes is a Canadian rugby player.He has represented Canada 27 times including at the 2003 Rugby World Cup....

- 2003 and 2007 World Cup player James Haskell

James Haskell

James Haskell is an English professional Rugby Union player who currently plays for the Top League team Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and internationally for England.-Career:...

Kele Leawere

Senikavika Kelemete Leawere is a Fijian rugby union player. He plays as a lock.-Career:He is the elder brother of former Fiji sevens rep, Mika Leawere and Sekove Leawere...

- Fijian international lock Marika Vunibaka

Marika Vunibaka

Marika "Dawainavesi" Vunibaka is a Fijian rugby union footballer. He has represented the national team on numerous occasions, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia....

- 1999 and 2003 World Cup player Tony Brown - 1999 World Cup player Leon MacDonald

Leon MacDonald

Leon Raymond MacDonald is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer, and now assistant coach for the Tasman Makos rugby team, who played 56 tests for the national team, All Blacks. He plays first five-eighths and fullback.-Biography:MacDonald was born in Blenheim, New Zealand, and attended...

- 2003 and 2007 World Cup player Reuben Thorne

Reuben Thorne

Reuben David Thorne is a New Zealand rugby union player, and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks.-Super 12:...

- 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cup player Glen Osborne

Glen Osborne

Glen Matthew Osborne is a New Zealand rugby union player, playing as a fullback and wing. He was born in Wanganui.Osborne played representative rugby for Wanganui in the National Provincial Championship from 1990–1991, then for North Harbour from 1992...

- 1995

1995 Rugby World Cup

The 1995 Rugby World Cup was the third Rugby World Cup. It was hosted and won by South Africa, and was the first Rugby World Cup in which every match was held in one country....

and 1999 World Cup player Rico Gear

Rico Gear

Rico Levi Gear is a New Zealand rugby union international player. He is a specialist right wing but can also cover midfield positions. He currently plays for Kintetsu Liners in the Top League....

- 20-capped New Zealand international Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Allan Nonu is a professional Samoan rugby union player from New Zealand. Nonu plays for the Wellington Lions in the ITM Cup and the New Zealand All Blacks...

- 2003 and 2011 (World champions) World Cup player Semo Sititi

Semo Sititi

Semo Sititi is a rugby union footballer in Samoa. He was born in Moto'otua.-Career:He is a flanker and currently plays for Ricoh in Japan, having previously played for Celtic League side Border Reivers and Manu Samoa internationally. He made his test debut in 1999 against Japan in Apia, Samoa...

- Samoa

Samoa national rugby union team

The Manu Samoa is the men's representative side of the Samoa Rugby Union in both the 15's and the 7's for international competitions. The Samoa Rugby Union is owned by the affiliated rugby unions of Samoa. In Samoa, Manu Samoa is in honour of a famous Samoan warrior. From 1924 to 1997 Samoa was...

captain at the 2007 World Cup Jaco van der Westhuyzen

Jaco van der Westhuyzen

Jaco van der Westhuyzen is a South African rugby union footballer who plays fly-half or fullback.-Early life:...

- 2003 World Cup player Thinus Delport

Thinus Delport

Thinus Delport is a South African rugby union player who played at wing or fullback for Worcester Warriors and South Africa.He started his career playing for the Lions from U21 level and he made his senior debut in 1997...

- 2003 World Cup player Pierre Hola

Pierre Hola

Pierre Hola is a Tongan rugby union footballer. He has represented Tonga and currently plays his club rugby in the Australian Shute Shield for Eastwood.-Career:Hola made his debut for Tonga in September 1998 in a match against Samoa...

- 2003 and 2007 World Cup player Hale T-Pole

Hale T-Pole

Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, often known simply as Hale T-Pole or Hale T Pole, is a Tongan rugby union footballer who plays as a flanker or number eight for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Top League in Japan...

- 2007 World Cup player Sione Tu'ipulotu

Sione Tu'ipulotu

Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu is a Tongan rugby union footballer. His usual position is at scrum-half, but he can also play as a fullback...

- 1999 and 2007 World Cup player Todd Clever

Todd Clever

Todd Stanger Clever is an American rugby union player. He is currently the Captain of the USA rugby union team. His current club is Suntory in Japan. In rugby Clever plays as a flanker, but while playing for the USA Sevens side he plays as a prop.-Club career:Todd joined Suntory of Japan in June...

- 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cup player; current USA captain Mike Hercus

Mike Hercus

Mike Hercus is a retired American rugby union footballer who played at fly-half for the USA Eagles and several top level professional clubs around the globe....

- 2003 and 2007 World Cup player

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.

Major Developments and Rule Changes

2010-11 season

Seventh season (2009–10)

Sixth season (2008-9)

Fifth season (2007-8)

Fourth season (2006-7)

Third season (2005-6)

Second season (2004-5)

First season (2003-4)

Top League Challenge series (2005)

Top Challenge One

Top Challenge Two

Promotion/Relegation games (Irekaesen)

Top League Champions

Famous foreign players

See also

External links