Key points

On October 24, 2026, the Japan women's national rugby team played against the Wales women's national team at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. This match marked both the 100th test match for the women's team and the 100th anniversary commemorative game for the Japan Rugby Football Union. Despite the significance, Japan conceded the first points at the 35th minute of the first half and allowed two tries in the second half, resulting in a 0-17 shutout loss. The team was unable to secure their first victory under the new coaching staff, revealing current challenges and areas for improvement. The team is scheduled to face Wales again on October 31 in Kumagaya. [1] [2]

Milestone Match and Result

On October 24, 2026, the Japan women's national rugby team played against the Wales women's national team at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. This match was held as part of the Japan Rugby Football Union's 100th anniversary celebrations and marked the women's team's 100th test match. The game was part of a double-header with the men's national team, attracting significant attention. Wales scored the first points at the 35th minute of the first half and added two tries in the second half. Japan was defeated 0-17, unable to celebrate the milestone with a victory. [1] [2]

During the match, Japan struggled to break through the midfield zone offensively and frequently lost possession due to intense pressure from Wales. At the 14th minute of the first half, prop Kazuko Kitano entered the try zone but failed to ground the ball, missing a scoring opportunity. In the second half, Japan attempted to score from a lineout inside the opponent's 22-meter line but was stopped by a maul ruled unplayable. Held on the same day as the men's match, this game was a significant milestone for the women's team but also exposed areas needing improvement. [2] [1]

Team Status and Challenges

Since September 2026, the Japan women's national rugby team has been under the new leadership of head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa. As of October 24, the team had played five matches without a win. After the match, Coach Kitagawa cited the inability to cope with the opponent's pressure and ineffective halfback play as reasons for the defeat. Team captain scrum-half Moe Tsukui also pointed out issues with set-piece errors and precision under pressure, emphasizing the need for improvement. Despite the difficulty of quickly implementing new tactics with new staff and players, the team is gradually building cohesion. [1] [2]

Under the new regime, the team has shown stability in the forward pack and promising performances from new players. Eighteen-year-old flanker Nami Asari scored four tries in four matches during a European tour and received high praise from Coach Kitagawa. Additionally, young players such as fullback Maiko Nishi and nineteen-year-old fly-half Chihiro Ito have emerged, contributing to the team's overall development. Captain Tsukui aims to leverage the double-header opportunity, which attracts men's rugby fans as well, to demonstrate team unity and resilience. [1] [3]

Upcoming Matches and Outlook

The Japan women's national rugby team is scheduled to face the Wales women's national team again on October 31 at Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Stadium in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. This match will be the final fourth round of the WXV Global Series and will conclude the season. Japan is ranked 12th in the world, with Wales ranked 11th, and Japan has lost both previous encounters against Wales. Through this consecutive series, Japan aims to secure a victory, overcome team challenges, and continue progressing. [1]

Despite facing tough competition during this season's European tour and other matches, Coach Kitagawa has expressed a sense of the team's growth. Building on the experience gained in Europe, the team seeks further development in the two-match series against Wales. As the team continues to build under the new coaching staff, they aim to establish a solid foundation through matches against strong opponents and prepare for future victories. Attention will focus on the outcomes of upcoming matches. [1]