By PAUL REES

RUGBY in Japan is preparing for a shakeup next year designed to make its top league fully professional, broaden its financial base and put the game there on a par with the world’s leading nations.
“The potential in Japan is enormous and could impact on the old world order,” said Robbie Deans, head coach of Panasonic White Knights who last week won the Top League final against Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo, the last in its current format before next season’s revamp.
“The support base is here as is the interest.”
Exact details of the new lea...