Results: Japan Rugby Top League 2016-2017 Promotion and Relegation Play-offs

Kintetsu Liners (Top League 13) 47 d Kyuden Voltex (Top Challenge One, 4) 0

Date: Saturday, 28 January 2017
Venue: Hanazono Rugby Ground, Osaka
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: Akihisa Aso
Attendance: 2,912

In order to retain their place in Top League for the 2017-18 season, Kintetsu Liners, who finished thirteenth overall on the final Top League table, faced Kyuden Voltex who finished fourth in the Top Challenge One series in a one-off play-off.

Kintetsu as the strongest side in the play-offs played Kyuden as the weakest side and the final score of 47-0 told the full story. The Liners were never challenged and ran in seven unanswered tries including a brace to fullback Andre Taylor. Kintetsu can now go away and plan for life in Top League next season while Kyuden, a former Top League side will be left to wonder.

Coca-Cola Red Sparks (Top League 14) 32 d Hino Motors Red Dolphins (Top Challenge One, 3) 22

Date: Saturday, 28 January 2017
Venue: Level-5 Stadium, Fukuoka
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Attendance: 1,547

In order to retain their place in Top League for the 2017-18 season, Coca-Cola Red Sparks, who finished fourteenth overall on the final Top League table, faced Hino Motors Red Dolphins who finished third in the Top Challenge One series in a one-off play-off.

Coca-Cola got off to a good start with tries to centre Viliami Tupou and five-eighth Timothy Lafaele opening up and early 14-0 lead. Hino fought back to trail 24-15 at the halftime break, but there was plenty to do in the latter half. The scoring slowed in the second half, but a try to Coca-Cola replacement Shota Egashira helped the Red Sparks out to a commanding position at 32-15. Hino scored a late consolation try, but the Red Sparks enjoyed the victory knowing their place in Top League for next season was secure.

Toyota Industries Shuttles (Top League 15) 33 d Mitsubishi Sagamihara (Top Challenge One, 2) 21

Date: Saturday, 28 January 2017
Venue: Paloma Mizuho rugby Ground, Nagoya
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: Kyosuke Toda
Attendance: 4,054

In order to retain their place in Top League for the 2017-18 season, Toyota Industries Shuttles, who finished fifteenth overall on the final Top League table faced Mitsubishi Sagamihara who finished second in the Top Challenge One series in a one-off play-off.

The Shuttles did the job they had to do with a 33-21 win over challenger Mitsubishi Sagamihara. The Toyota outfit scored five tries to three with big names No8 Ryan Kankowski and fullback Mark Gerrard among the try scorers. Former Japan and Suntory centre in New Zealand-born Ryan Nicholas did his best to inspire Mitsubishi, but in the end, it was a bridge too far with the gap between Top League and regional leagues telling in the result.

Teams for Japan Rugby Top League 2017-18

(Confirmed 28 January 2017)