The Top 10 Highest Salaries in Japan Rugby League One (2025–2026 Season)
- Chester Khangelani Mbekela
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Japan has quietly become one of the most financially attractive destinations in world rugby. Over the past decade, the country’s professional competition—Japan Rugby League One—has transformed from a corporate semi-professional competition into a fully professional league capable of attracting global superstars.
Corporate-backed teams, shorter seasons, and lucrative contracts have made Japan one of the best-paying rugby environments in the world.
In fact, some of the highest-paid rugby players globally now ply their trade in the Japanese league, with elite athletes commanding salaries approaching $1 million per year. (Rugby League World Cup)
For fans, this influx of world-class talent has elevated the competition dramatically. Stadiums are filled with international legends, World Cup champions, and some of the most exciting Japanese players in the sport.
Below is a look at the top 10 highest salaries in Japan Rugby League One during the 2025–2026 season, along with insights into why these players command such enormous contracts.
1. Richie Mo’unga – Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Estimated Salary: $1.4–1.6 million
The highest-paid player currently playing in Japan is Richie Mo'unga, who joined Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo after leaving the All Blacks setup.
Mo’unga’s contract reportedly sits between $1.4 million and $1.6 million annually, making him one of the richest players in global rugby union. (Rugby League World Cup)
The reasoning is simple: elite fly-halves are the quarterbacks of rugby.
Mo’unga brings tactical brilliance, goal-kicking accuracy, and championship experience from Super Rugby and international competition.
For Brave Lupus, signing him was not just about performance—it was about transforming the club into a championship contender.
2. Cheslin Kolbe – Tokyo Sungoliath
Estimated Salary: $1.1–1.2 million
One of rugby’s most electrifying players, Cheslin Kolbe joined Tokyo Sungoliath on a massive contract.
Kolbe is a two-time Rugby World Cup champion with South Africa and one of the most marketable players in the sport.
His explosive speed, dazzling footwork, and try-scoring ability make him a fan favorite.
Reports place his Japanese contract at around £930,000 (over $1.1 million) per year. (Huge Rugby)
For Sungoliath, Kolbe isn’t just a winger—he’s a global superstar who fills stadiums.
3. Faf de Klerk – Yokohama Canon Eagles
Estimated Salary: $1 million
Another South African World Cup champion, Faf de Klerk, earns close to $900,000–$1 million per season playing for Yokohama Canon Eagles. (Huge Rugby)
De Klerk’s aggressive defensive play and fast-paced distribution make him one of the best scrum-halves in the game.
His arrival in Japan signaled the league’s growing financial power. The Canon Eagles gained not only a world-class playmaker but also a global brand ambassador.
4. Damian de Allende – Saitama Wild Knights
Estimated Salary: $900,000–$1 million
South African center Damian de Allende joined Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights as one of the highest-paid midfield players in Japan.
De Allende brings physical dominance and defensive leadership to the Wild Knights.
His reputation as one of the best centers in world rugby has made him an invaluable asset.
Contracts for elite midfielders in Japan often reach close to seven figures, reflecting the league’s willingness to pay for proven international talent. (Rugby League World Cup)
5. Ardie Savea – Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Estimated Salary: $800,000–$900,000
All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea is another marquee signing in the league.
Playing for Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Savea’s contract reportedly places him among the top earners in the Japanese competition.
Savea is widely regarded as one of the best loose forwards in world rugby, known for his relentless work rate, powerful ball carrying, and leadership.
His presence significantly boosts the Steelers’ competitiveness in Division One.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit – Toyota Verblitz
Estimated Salary: $800,000
World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit commands a massive salary with Toyota Verblitz.
The Springbok forward is widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players in rugby history.
His signing reflects Toyota Verblitz’s ambition to build a championship-caliber squad filled with world-class internationals.
7. Malcolm Marx – Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay
Estimated Salary: $750,000–$850,000
Arguably the best hooker in the world, Malcolm Marx plays for Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay.
Marx is famous for his brutal physicality and dominance at the breakdown.
His leadership and experience helped Kubota become one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Elite forwards like Marx are extremely valuable because of their impact in set pieces and defensive battles.
8. Beauden Barrett – Toyota Verblitz
Estimated Salary: $700,000–$800,000
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett has spent time playing in Japan with Toyota Verblitz.
Barrett’s salary reflects his status as one of the most talented playmakers of his generation.
His attacking flair and playmaking vision bring enormous entertainment value to the league.
9. Kotaro Matsushima – Tokyo Sungoliath
Estimated Salary: £500,000 ($630,000)
Japan’s own superstar Kotaro Matsushima remains one of the highest-paid domestic players in the league.
Playing for Tokyo Sungoliath, Matsushima reportedly earns about £500,000 annually. (Facebook)
As one of Japan’s most recognizable rugby players following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, his commercial value to the league is enormous.
10. Charles Piutau – Shizuoka Blue Revs
Estimated Salary: $650,000
Former All Blacks star Charles Piutau completes the list.
Piutau signed a lucrative deal with Shizuoka Blue Revs, continuing the trend of top-tier international talent relocating to Japan.
His attacking brilliance and ability to break defenses make him one of the most dangerous backs in the league.
Why Japan Rugby League One Pays So Well
There are several reasons why salaries in Japan have skyrocketed.
Corporate Ownership
Many teams are owned by massive corporations such as:
Panasonic
Toyota
Toshiba
Canon
This corporate backing provides financial stability and deep investment.
Shorter Season
Japan’s rugby season is shorter than many European competitions.
This means players earn huge salaries while playing fewer matches, making the league extremely attractive to international stars.
Global Talent Magnet
The league now attracts players from:
New Zealand
South Africa
Australia
Europe
Pacific Islands
More than 50 international players feature in the league’s top division, demonstrating its global reach. (RugbyAsia247)
The Future of Rugby Salaries in Japan
The financial power of Japan Rugby League One shows no signs of slowing down.
With growing TV audiences, improved stadium attendance, and increased global attention, the league is becoming a major destination for elite rugby talent.
For fans, that means more thrilling matchups featuring world-class players.
For players, it means one thing:
Japan has become one of the most lucrative places in the world to play rugby.
Sources
(Rugby League World Cup) – Salary estimates and league pay structure
(Huge Rugby) – Highest paid players globally including Japan-based stars
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