Warner Dearns

is a professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for Japan Rugby League One club Toshiba Brave Lupus. Born in New Zealand but moved to Japan at the age of 14 years old, he represents Japan at international level after qualifying on residency grounds.

Club career

On January 8, 2022, he made his first official appearance in Japan as a starter in the first match of JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE against Tokyo Suntory Sangoliath. In this match, he became the youngest player to score a try (19 years, 8 months, 29 days), surpassing the previous Top League 2020 record (Tatsuya Fujii, Munakata Sanix Blues, 19 years, 10 months, 10 days).

In 2026, Dearns formed part of the Hurricanes squad that won the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. On 20 June, the Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs 60–5 in the final.

International career Dearns was called for Japan on 28 October 2021 for the 2021 end-of-year rugby union internationals. He made his debut on 13 November in the match against Portugal.

On June 25, 2022, he made his first start for Japan against Uruguay. On October 29 of the same year, he scored his first try against New Zealand.

In May 2023, he was called up again to the national squad for the 10th Rugby World Cup, but due to multiple injuries sustained in training camp, he was unable to play in the five pre-World Cup matches in Japan. However, he did represent Japan at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, playing in all pool matches, scoring a try in his first game vs Chile in the 79th minute.

He scored two tries against Canada on August 25, 2024, and was named Player of the Match.

Career honours

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo

Japan Rugby League One: 2023–24, 2024–25

Hurricanes

Super Rugby: 2026