Shunsuke Uenobo

Professional career Uenobo was selected for the Kobe Steelers squad ahead of the 2025–26 Japan Rugby League One season, joining the club under the league's "early entry" system while completing his final year at Tenri University. He made his debut on 7 February 2026, scoring a hat-trick of tries against the Shizuoka Blue Revs in a 60–45 win at the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in the Suma-ku ward. Uenobo was praised by coach Dave Rennie following his outstanding debut performance. Rennie stated in the post-match press conference: "His performance today wasn't just about the three tries. He showed sharp movements and created space for the players around him. He was very strong with high balls, and his judgment in catching the ball near the touchline was excellent. And his tackles were good too". After the match it was reported by Rugby Republic that Uenobo was essentially the Japan Rugby League One's "number one draft pick" as he received contract offers from every club in the division.

Uenobo played fourteen games in his debut season for the Steelers, scoring another hat-trick against the Toyota Verblitz in April. Overall Uenobo scored 11 tries, all coming via fullback. At the post-season award ceremony, Uenobo won the Rookie of the Year award.

Personal life In 2026, Uenobo appeared on two episodes of Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation's program, "Athlete". Being interviewed by Japanese baseball veteran Takashi Toritani in the second episode, Uenobo discussed his debut season with the Kobe Steelers.

Career statistics Club . + Appearances and tries by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Tries!!Points

2025–26

Individual

Japan Rugby League One Rookie of the Year: 2025–26