Top 5 Try Scorers in Japan Rugby League One 2026 Season
- Chester Khangelani Mbekela
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Discover the top 5 try scorers in the Japan Rugby League One 2026 season. Explore player stats, team impact, and expert analysis of the league’s most dangerous finishers.
Introduction
The Japan Rugby League One 2026 season is delivering an electrifying showcase of attacking rugby. With international superstars and elite Japanese talent sharing the field, the competition has become one of the most exciting rugby leagues in the world.
One of the biggest talking points this season is the race for the top try scorer title.
From powerhouse forwards to lightning-fast backs, players are redefining how tries are scored in modern rugby.
In this article, we break down the top 5 try scorers in Japan Rugby League One 2026, backed by current stats and performance insights.
1. Brodie Retallick (Kobelco Kobe Steelers) – 11 Tries
Leading the try-scoring charts is none other than All Blacks legend Brodie Retallick. Known primarily as a lock, Retallick has stunned fans by dominating the scoring leaderboard with 11 tries.
His ability to power over from short range, combined with intelligent support play, has made him a constant threat. The Kobe Steelers have built a strong attacking platform around their forwards, and Retallick has capitalized on it brilliantly.
2. Matt Vaega (Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars) – 9 Tries
Matt Vaega has quietly become one of the most effective finishers in the league. Playing on the wing, Vaega’s pace and positioning have helped him rack up 9 tries this season.
He thrives in open play, often finishing off sweeping backline moves.
His consistency has been crucial for the Dynaboars, making him one of the most underrated stars in the competition.
3. Atsushi Sakate (Saitama Wild Knights) – 8 Tries
Saitama Wild Knights captain Atsushi Sakate continues to lead by example. The hooker has scored 8 tries, primarily from rolling mauls and close-range finishes.
Sakate’s performances highlight the importance of forward dominance in modern rugby. His leadership and reliability make him a key figure in one of the league’s strongest teams.
4. Faulua Makisi (Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay) – 8 Tries
Faulua Makisi has been instrumental in Kubota Spears’ attacking success. With 8 tries, he has proven himself as a powerful and dynamic ball carrier.
Makisi’s ability to break tackles and exploit defensive gaps makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
His performances are a major reason why the Spears are title contenders.
5. Kazuma Ueda (Kobelco Kobe Steelers) – 8 Tries
Rounding out the top five is Kazuma Ueda, adding further firepower to the Kobe Steelers lineup. With 8 tries, Ueda complements Retallick perfectly, showcasing the team’s balanced attack.
His awareness and finishing ability have made him a key contributor in crucial matches.
Honorable Mentions
Several players are close behind in the try-scoring race:
Koki Takeyama (Saitama Wild Knights) – 8 tries
Inoke Burua (Kobelco Kobe Steelers) – 8 tries
Haruto Kida (Kubota Spears) – 7 tries
This tight competition shows just how competitive the 2026 season has been.
Key Trends in Japan Rugby League One 2026
1. Forwards Are Scoring More Tries
Unlike traditional rugby trends, forwards are dominating the try charts. Players like Retallick and Sakate are proving that structured forward play is more effective than ever.
2. Balanced Team Attacks
Teams like Kobe Steelers and Kubota Spears are thriving due to their ability to distribute scoring opportunities across multiple players.
3. International Influence
The mix of global stars and domestic talent has elevated the quality of play, making League One a must-watch competition.
Why This Matters for Rugby Fans
The 2026 season is shaping the future of rugby in Japan. With growing international attention and high-level performances, Japan Rugby League One is quickly becoming a global rugby powerhouse.
For fans, this means more exciting matches, more world-class talent, and unforgettable moments every week.
Final Thoughts
The race for the top try scorer in Japan Rugby League One 2026 is far from over. With only a few tries separating the leaders, every match could shift the rankings.
Will Brodie Retallick maintain his lead? Or will a new challenger emerge?
One thing is certain—this season is a celebration of attacking rugby at its finest.
Sources
Official Japan Rugby League One website (league-one.jp)
Global Sports Archive Rugby Stats
RugbyPass Japan League One Stats
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