KINTETSU LINERS
Founded: 1927
Stadium: Hanazono
Stadium: Hanazono
Kintetsu prides itself on its history. The team was established in 1927 can lay claim to be one of the oldest professional rugby teams in Japan. Kintetsu as a company officially recognised the team two years later in 1929, and the team made Hanazono their home.
They won their first All-Japan Rugby Football Championship title in 1966, and successfully went on to defend their crown the following year. A third trophy arrived in 1974.
Kintetsu were one of the founding members of the Top League in 2003 but struggled in their debut season, managing just a 10th-placed finish. They ended the following campaign in 11th and were subsequently relegated from the top tier of Japanese rugby. Kintetsu won the Top West A League three years on the spin before eventually regaining their place in the Top League in 2007.
The Kansai club finished 5th in 2011, marking their best season in the Top League to date.
They won their first All-Japan Rugby Football Championship title in 1966, and successfully went on to defend their crown the following year. A third trophy arrived in 1974.
Kintetsu were one of the founding members of the Top League in 2003 but struggled in their debut season, managing just a 10th-placed finish. They ended the following campaign in 11th and were subsequently relegated from the top tier of Japanese rugby. Kintetsu won the Top West A League three years on the spin before eventually regaining their place in the Top League in 2007.
The Kansai club finished 5th in 2011, marking their best season in the Top League to date.
