Japan Defeated By Ireland in WXV Global Series But Showed Improvements

The Sakura XV lost to Ireland 24-31 in the WXV Global Series but came back well after another poor start to show some of their attacking intent and speed of play, which they are renowned for, but the result did see them fall to a third straight loss.

Photo Credit – JRFU

For the hosts, the win at Galway’s Dexcom Stadium meant they bounced back after last week’s loss to the USA Women’s Eagles, and both teams will face off again next week outside of the WXV Series.

Japan Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa said post-match, “We didn’t get the result we wanted as this is a Test match and winning is the ultimate goal. But im pleased that we showed some good linespeed and with the second half we could use the wind behind us and had a good set piece. I told the girls to trust themselves in these games, as we are playing against a team ranked higher than us.”

Ireland were on top early at a sunny but very windy Galway and raced out to a 19-0 lead. Ireland dominated at scrum and worked well from their lineout. The one real opportunity for Japan in the opening 30 minutes came from blind-side Nami Asari, who intercepted a loose pass and sprinted towards the Irish try-area, but Anna McGann rushed back and made a try-saving tackle.

That opening half an hour was poor from Japan, and on an occasion on which captian Moe Tsuikui was celebrating her 50th cap. They didn’t show the line speed, physicality, pressure or chop tackles they have built their reputation on and were at risk of being blown away.

Photo Credit – JRFU

Just before half, Japan got their excellent rolling maul to work, and Moe Nagaoka scored to trail 5-19 at the break.

But after their score from the rolling maul, which is a real threat of theirs, they played much better and displayed the line speed, tackling and pace of attack which had been missing. Moe Nagaoka got a 2nd try from another maul to make it 12-24, and the Sakura were on top, with Ireland giving away countless penalties under pressure.

Replacement Nijiho Nagata scored Japan’s 3rd try, and they were only 19-24 behind. However, twice, the Japanese gifted Ireland tries with poor mistakes. First, a kick was charged down after far too much time was taken to put boot to ball, and Ireland extended the lead with a try.

Photo Credit – JRFU

Then a wild, inaccurate pass when they were on top saw Beibhinn Parsons score to become Ireland’s top try scorer at 24 years old (and 24 tries).

Japan didn’t give up and ended with a final score by young flanker Nami Asari – her 3rd try in her first 3 games for Japan.

Brittany Hogan was POTM with her two tries and excellent work at the breakdown.

Irish Captain Erin King said, “It was important to get the win as we had frustrations (after last week’s loss). Fair play to Japan as they really brought it to us.”

On next weekend facing Japan again, “We were disappointed with the maul tries and penalties we gave away, so we’ll have a good week of preparation. We want to up our game and make womens rugby in Ireland bigger and bigger,” added the Irish captain.

Japan WXV Global Series 2026 News

• WXV Global Series 2026 Preview – Ireland vs Japan.
• Sakura XV Lose Heavily to Italy In WXV Global Series 2026 Opener.
• WXV Global Series 2026 Preview – Italy vs Japan.
• JRFU Appoints Toshizumi Kitagawa As the New Sakura XV Head Coach Before WXV 2026