The Development and Growth of Professional Rugby as a Business in Japan

Chester Khangelani Mbekela
Jul 16, 2024
4 min read

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Published by: Zila Mbekela, 16 July 2024

Over the past few decades, Japan has seen significant growth in its professional rugby scene, transforming from a country where rugby was a niche sport to one that is now recognized on the global stage. The development of professional rugby in Japan is closely tied to its unique structure, where teams are owned and heavily funded by wealthy corporations. This article explores the evolution of professional rugby in Japan, the role of corporate ownership, and ranks the top 10 wealthiest teams in the Japan Rugby League One.

The Evolution of Professional Rugby in Japan

Early Beginnings

Rugby was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century, with the first recorded match taking place in 1899. The sport gradually gained popularity, particularly in universities, but remained largely amateur until the late 20th century.

University Rugby: The inter-university competitions were the primary platform for rugby, with teams like Waseda, Keio, and Meiji Universities leading the way.
Corporate Influence: Post-World War II, corporations began forming their own rugby teams, initially as a way to foster teamwork and company loyalty among employees. This laid the groundwork for the professional era.

The Shift to Professionalism

The shift towards professionalism began in earnest in the 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the need to improve the competitiveness of Japanese rugby on the international stage.

Formation of the Top League: In 2003, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) launched the Top League, Japan's first fully professional rugby league. This move aimed to raise the standard of domestic rugby and create a more competitive environment.
Corporate Ownership: Unlike many Western rugby leagues, where clubs are often independent entities, most Japanese rugby teams are owned by large corporations. These corporations provide substantial financial support, enabling the teams to attract top talent and build state-of-the-art facilities.

Corporate Ownership: The Backbone of Japanese Rugby

Wealthy Corporations at the Helm

The corporate ownership model has been instrumental in the growth and success of professional rugby in Japan. Major companies sponsor and own the teams, ensuring financial stability and resources for development.

Sponsorship and Funding: Corporations such as Panasonic, Toyota, and Suntory use their financial power to sponsor their teams, investing in player salaries, training facilities, and youth development programs.
Branding and Marketing: These companies leverage their rugby teams for branding and marketing purposes, aligning the teams' success with their corporate image. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the sport and the companies involved.

Benefits of Corporate Ownership

The advantages of corporate ownership extend beyond financial stability.

Player Welfare: Teams can afford to provide comprehensive support for players, including medical care, training facilities, and post-career opportunities within the corporation.
Global Talent: The financial backing allows teams to attract top international players and coaches, raising the standard of play and increasing the league’s global profile.
Infrastructure: Corporations invest in state-of-the-art training facilities and stadiums, enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Top 10 Wealthiest Teams in the Japan Rugby League One

The Japan Rugby League One, established in 2022 as the successor to the Top League, features several wealthy teams owned by some of Japan’s biggest corporations. Here are the top 10 wealthiest teams in the league across Division 1, 2 and 3 respectively:

1. Panasonic Wild Knights

Owner: Panasonic Corporation
Notable Players: David Pocock, Damien De Allende, Lood De Jager
Financial Power: With the backing of electronics giant Panasonic, the Wild Knights are one of the most financially secure and successful teams in the league. 2. Suntory Sungoliath

Owner: Suntory Holdings Limited
Notable Players: Cheslin Kobe, Sam Cane
Financial Power: Suntory, a leading beverage company, ensures the Sungoliath have top-tier facilities and the ability to sign high-profile international stars. 3. Toyota Verblitz

Owner: Toyota Motor Corporation
Notable Players: Aaron Smith, Beauden Barret
Financial Power: As one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers, Toyota provides substantial financial support, making Verblitz a formidable team.

4. Kobe Steelers

Owner: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
Notable Players: Ardie Savea
Financial Power: Backed by a major steel manufacturer, the Kobe Steelers have the resources to attract and retain top talent. 5. Yokohama Canon Eagles

Owner: Canon Inc.
Notable Players: Jesse Kriel, Faf De Klerk
Financial Power: Canon’s investment ensures the Eagles have cutting-edge facilities and competitive player salaries.

6. NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu

Owner: NEC Corporation
Notable Players: Nemani Nadolo, Adam Thomson
Financial Power: With NEC's backing, the Green Rockets maintain strong financial health and competitive edge.

7. Shimizu Blue Revs

Owner: Yamaha Motor Company
Notable Players: Akihito Yamada, Samu Manoa, Kwagga Smith
Financial Power: Yamaha’s support allows Blue Revs to be competitive and financially stable.

8. Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay

Owner: Kubota Corporation
Notable Players: Bernard Foley, Gerhard Van den Heever
Financial Power: Agricultural machinery manufacturer Kubota ensures the Spears have the resources needed for success.

9. Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo

Owner: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Notable Players: Lappies Labuschagné, Ben Gunter
Financial Power: Ricoh’s financial support keeps the Black Rams competitive in the league.

10. NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes

Owner: NTT Communications Corporation
Notable Players : Christian Leali'ifano, Amanaki Mafi, Elton Janjties
Financial Power: NTT Communications’ backing allows the team to maintain strong financial health and attract talent.

Conclusion

The development and growth of professional rugby in Japan are closely tied to its unique corporate ownership model. Wealthy corporations provide the financial stability and resources necessary for the teams to thrive, attracting top international talent and fostering a competitive environment. The top teams in the Japan Rugby League One, such as Panasonic Wild Knights and Suntory Sungoliath, exemplify the success of this model, combining corporate backing with rugby excellence. As the sport continues to grow in Japan, the support from these corporations will remain crucial, ensuring the continued rise of Japanese rugby on the global stage.

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