Japan Women’s Rugby Team’s Tour of Ireland
2026/9/27
IRELAND v JAPAN at Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series in Galway (Photo taken in September 2026)
IRELAND v JAPAN at Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series in Galway (Photo taken in September 2026)
On 27 September, the Vodafone WXV Global Series match between Japan and Ireland was held at the newly opened Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Ireland Women’s Rugby Team defeated Japan 31–24.
Japan came under pressure during the first half, but scored a try just before half-time. Carrying that momentum into the second half, and helped by the following wind blowing towards the sea, Japan fought back to within five points at one stage.
After the final whistle, the two teams showed their mutual respect and congratulated each other on their efforts, in the true spirit of rugby called "No Side" in Japan. A large number of Japanese supporters had also travelled to the stadium and gave their wholehearted support to the Japan team.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu and staff members of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland were also there to cheer on the team. Following the match, they conveyed their appreciation to representatives of both teams including Mr KITAGAWA Toshizumi, Head Coach and Ms TSUKUI Moe, Captain, praising the players for their efforts and expressing their gratitude for what had been a wonderful game.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday, 3 October, in Cork.
Japan came under pressure during the first half, but scored a try just before half-time. Carrying that momentum into the second half, and helped by the following wind blowing towards the sea, Japan fought back to within five points at one stage.
After the final whistle, the two teams showed their mutual respect and congratulated each other on their efforts, in the true spirit of rugby called "No Side" in Japan. A large number of Japanese supporters had also travelled to the stadium and gave their wholehearted support to the Japan team.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu and staff members of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland were also there to cheer on the team. Following the match, they conveyed their appreciation to representatives of both teams including Mr KITAGAWA Toshizumi, Head Coach and Ms TSUKUI Moe, Captain, praising the players for their efforts and expressing their gratitude for what had been a wonderful game.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday, 3 October, in Cork.
Players of both teams praising each other after the IRELAND v JAPAN Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series match in Galway (photo taken in September 2026)
Mr Tony O'Beirne, President of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) making his congratulatory remarks after the IRELAND v JAPAN Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series match in Galway (Photo taken in September 2026)
Mr Mark Egan on behalf of the Japan Rugby Football Union praising the players of both teams after IRELAND v JAPAN Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series match in Galway (Photo taken in September 2026)
Mrs Michelle McAndrew (centre), Mr Liam Conneely (right) from Connacht Rugby at the IRELAND v JAPAN Rugby Vodafone WXV Global Series match in Galway and Ambassador MIYAGAWA of Japan in Ireland (left) (Photo taken in September 2026)