Ireland will travel to Japan this summer for a two-test tour, the IRFU has confirmed. The two games to be played in August will serve as preparation for the hosts ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand, set to get underway this October.
Fukuroi City and Tokyo will be the two host cities for Ireland’s tour, with the games taking place a week apart on August 20th and 27th.
It is a welcome set of fixtures for an Ireland side that will not be at that World Cup later this year after a defeat to Scotland in last September’s qualifiers ended their hopes of reaching the tournament. Japan, who recently notched their first Test victory over Australia, are in Pool B of the global showcase alongside Italy, USA and Canada.
[ Ciara Griffin signs off in style as Ireland edge past JapanOpens in new window ]
Ireland last took on Japan during last year’s November Tests where they came out on top 15-12 at the RDS.
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Ireland captain Nichola Fryday said of the tour: “We finished the Women’s Six Nations campaign on a high with that memorable win over Scotland in Belfast to secure third place, and it is now exciting for us to turn our attention to an Invitational Series against Japan this summer.”
“We are in the process of building under Greg (McWilliams, head coach), the coaching team and it is important we continue to move forward with contact time together and exposure to Test match situations, which the Invitational Series will provide.
”It will be hugely exciting to lead the group in Japan and we will work hard over the coming weeks and months to continue on an upward trajectory on this journey, heading towards 2023 Women’s Six Nations and beyond.”
Kick-off times and broadcast details for the series against Japan will be confirmed in at a later date.
Ireland Women v Japan, August 2022:
Japan vs Ireland, Saturday 20th August, Ecopa Stadium
Japan vs Ireland, Saturday 27th August, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.
