Japan Rugby League One's 10 Biggest Signings for 2026/27: Springbok Speed, All Blacks Experience and a New Era of Rugby Superstars
RUGBY BUSINESS | TRANSFERS | 2026/27 SEASON
Japan Rugby League One is rapidly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for professional rugby players worldwide. Once regarded primarily as a lucrative destination for established international stars approaching the latter stages of their careers, Japan is increasingly attracting players who still have plenty to offer at the highest level.
And the 2026/27 offseason may be one of the most fascinating yet.
From Springbok speedsters Aphelele Fassi and Kurt-Lee Arendse to Ireland international James Lowe and Australian cross-code sensation Mark Nawaqanitawase, Japanese clubs have been busy assembling squads capable of challenging for silverware.
Following Kobe Steelers' 22–13 victory over Kubota Spears in the June 2026 final, the competition enters its sixth season with new coaches, major departures and another influx of international talent.
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But which signings will have the greatest impact? And how much might these international stars be earning?
A note on salaries: Japanese rugby clubs rarely disclose individual player salaries. The figures below are my speculative annual base-salary estimates in Japanese yen, not confirmed contracts, reported offers or verified earnings. They exclude bonuses, accommodation, image rights and other possible benefits. They are intended to illustrate potential market value, not establish what any player actually receives.
The 10 biggest signings to watch
1. Aphelele Fassi — Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Projected salary: ¥90–140 million annually
Nicknamed the Weekend Special, Fassi brings exceptional pace, aerial ability and attacking instincts to Toshiba. His arrival from the Sharks is particularly exciting because he joins while still in his prime, rather than at the end of his career.
His one-season Japanese move also gives Toshiba an opportunity to replace some of the attacking excitement lost with Richie Mo'unga's departure.
2. Kurt-Lee Arendse — Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars
Projected salary: ¥100–160 million annually
Arendse's return to Japan is one of the offseason's biggest attractions. The Rugby World Cup winner previously represented the DynaBoars and returns with the ability to transform matches through explosive acceleration, footwork and finishing.
Imagine Arendse finding space against a disorganised defensive line. That alone is worth the price of admission.
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase — Saitama Wild Knights
Projected salary: ¥100–160 million annually
The former Wallabies winger returns to rugby union following an eye-catching spell with the Sydney Roosters in Australia's NRL.
His two-year Wild Knights agreement is particularly intriguing. Few players combine his aerial ability, athleticism and cross-code experience. If he adjusts quickly, Saitama may have secured one of the league's most dangerous attacking weapons.
4. James Lowe — Tokyo Sungoliath
Projected salary: ¥100–170 million annually
Replacing Cheslin Kolbe is no ordinary assignment, but Sungoliath have recruited a proven international performer.
Lowe arrives from Leinster with powerful running, a tremendous left-footed kicking game and extensive experience in European rugby.
His combination with Sam Cane and Japan scrum-half Naoto Saito could make Sungoliath particularly entertaining.
5. Grant Williams — Kobe Steelers
Projected salary: ¥80–130 million annually
Defending champions Kobe have recruited one of rugby's most exciting scrum-halves.
Williams offers blistering pace around the breakdown and the ability to punish tired forwards. His arrival alongside former All Black George Bridge gives Kobe fresh attacking options as they attempt to defend their title under new coaching leadership.
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6. David Havili — Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Projected salary: ¥75–120 million annually
Havili brings 30 All Blacks caps, tactical intelligence and versatility to Toshiba.
Although Fassi may attract the headlines, Havili could prove equally important. His passing, defensive organisation and decision-making can help create the space that Toshiba's faster attacking players need.
7. Jack Dempsey — Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Projected salary: ¥65–100 million annually
Having represented both Australia and Scotland internationally, Dempsey arrives with valuable experience and physicality.
His carrying and breakdown work should complement Toshiba's backline recruitment. After losing important personnel, Toshiba appear determined to rebuild both their attacking threat and forward power.
8. Hunter Paisami — Shizuoka Blue Revs
Projected salary: ¥65–105 million annually
Paisami is exactly the type of player who can make Japan Rugby League One more physical.
The 35-cap Wallaby joins from the Queensland Reds with a reputation for aggressive defence and direct running. For Shizuoka, he could provide the midfield power required to compete against the competition's established heavyweights.
9. George Bridge — Kobe Steelers
Projected salary: ¥55–90 million annually
The former All Blacks winger brings experience, positional awareness and reliable finishing to the champions.
With Williams providing speed from scrum-half and Brodie Retallick leading the forwards, Bridge could benefit from playing in an already successful structure.
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10. Samipeni Finau — Yokohama Canon Eagles
Projected salary: ¥65–105 million annually
Yokohama's recruitment of Finau adds athleticism and physicality to their loose forwards.
Following Faf de Klerk's departure, the Eagles need new players capable of influencing matches. Finau's tackling, carrying and mobility could make him a major addition.
How much are Japan's biggest rugby stars really worth?
The salary projections above reflect a possible market for international talent, not information obtained from the players or their clubs.
For perspective, Business Plus reported that former Toshiba fly-half Richie Mo'unga earned approximately US$1.4 million annually, while Cheslin Kolbe's estimated Sungoliath salary was around US$1.1 million. Those figures were themselves media reports rather than independently verified payroll disclosures.
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Illustrative annual salary ranges for the ten selections
■ Low estimate
■ High estimate
¥ million per year. Author's speculative estimates, not verified salaries.
The commercial logic behind such investment is understandable. International stars can help clubs improve performances while attracting supporters, sponsors, merchandise buyers and international media attention.
However, a high salary does not guarantee success. Players must adapt to Japan's playing style, team culture and competition rules.
The battles rugby fans should be excited about
Imagine Aphelele Fassi counterattacking against a defence featuring Kurt-Lee Arendse. Or Mark Nawaqanitawase challenging James Lowe under a high ball.
Those are the kinds of matchups capable of attracting audiences beyond Japan.
Other notable additions include Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé at Kubota Spears and All Blacks utility back Stephen Perofeta at Yokohama Canon Eagles.
Meanwhile, established names such as Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jesse Kriel continue to give the league considerable international credibility.
One particularly interesting storyline is the changing nature of recruitment. Japan is no longer simply attracting players looking for one final lucrative contract.
Several of the latest arrivals are still capable of influencing international rugby.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, maintaining form and fitness will be especially important.
Can Japan Rugby League One become rugby's premier club destination?
There is a strong argument that Japan is becoming one of professional rugby's most attractive employment markets.
The combination of corporate-backed clubs, international coaching expertise, competitive compensation and growing global recognition makes League One increasingly appealing.
Yet the challenge is ensuring that investment also strengthens Japanese rugby.
International stars should help develop local players, improve technical standards and attract new supporters. If recruitment achieves those objectives, the benefits extend well beyond the clubs signing the biggest cheques.
For supporters, the immediate reward is simpler: better players, bigger rivalries and more entertaining rugby.
Final verdict: The 2026/27 season could be spectacular
My three most exciting players to watch are Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
All three possess the individual brilliance to change a match within seconds.
But James Lowe's experience, Grant Williams' acceleration and David Havili's tactical intelligence could prove equally influential when the championship race intensifies.
With the new season scheduled to begin on December 12, 2026, Japan Rugby League One is preparing for another compelling chapter.
The big question is no longer whether Japan can attract world-class rugby players.
It is whether these new arrivals can deliver the performances, silverware and excitement that justify their growing commercial value.
And for rugby supporters around the world, that is a question worth following every weekend.
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