The passionate rugby scene in Japan is about to stage an exhilarating two-Test series as Wales sets off on its first tour to the Land of the Rising Sun after 2013. This “Men’s Internationals 2025: Japan vs. Wales” battle is a match made in heaven for fans of both teams, who are eager to see their favorite styles and ambitions showcasing.
The first Test will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu, with the game starting at 1:00 AM ET.
The second and final Test will then be played at Noevir Stadium in Kobe on Saturday, July 12, also at 1:50 AM E.T. The first double-header of the summer.
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Japan vs. Wales Viewing Information:
- Start time: 1:00 AM E.T.
- Date: Saturday 5th July.
- Venue: Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu
Gareth Rhys Owen and Richie Rees will commentate on Scrum V Live, while Sarra Elgan will host both games on the BBC and S4C. Pundits Rhys Patchell and Alun Wyn Jones will join the pair.
Japan vs Wales Match Details
The international rugby spotlight shifts to Asia this weekend as Japan hosts Wales in the opening clash of a compelling two-Test series. The “Men’s Internationals 2025: Japan vs. Wales” kicks off at 1:00 AM E.T. on Saturday, July 5, at the Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu, before moving to the roofed Noevir Stadium in Kobe for the second Test on July 12.
For Wales, led by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, this tour is a critical turning point. Mired in a record-breaking 17-match losing streak—the longest for any Tier One side in the professional era—the Dragons are desperate for a reset. With Warren Gatland stepping down midway through the Six Nations, and several senior players away on British & Irish Lions duty, this tour presents both challenge and opportunity.
Japan, meanwhile, are eyeing history. Under the strategic leadership of Eddie Jones, the Brave Blossoms are out to repeat their landmark 2013 victory over Wales—their only win against them to date. Michael Leitch returns to captain the side in his 88th Test, anchoring a lineup that mixes experience with new blood. Uncapped talents like prop Yota Kamimori and electric winger Kippei Ishida—whom Jones has dubbed a “Japanese Cheslin Kolbe”—offer exciting potential.
This Test series holds major implications for World Rugby rankings, with Wales currently 12th and Japan close behind at 13th. A home win would see the Brave Blossoms leapfrog the Welsh for the first time in history—possibly influencing Rugby World Cup 2027 seedings. Expect a gritty, fast-paced contest where Wales’ desire for redemption meets Japan’s ambition for a landmark series win.
Japan Rugby Match Preview:
When Eddie Jones led the Brave Blossoms to a thrilling 34–32 victory over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, a result frequently referred to as “the biggest upset in rugby union history,” he made his first impression on Japanese rugby history. In addition to shocking the entire world, that triumph marked the beginning of a period of steady advancement for Japanese rugby.
Japan hosted a historic 2019 World Cup on home soil under Jamie Joseph. They won all four pool matches, including thrilling wins over Scotland (28–21) and Ireland (19–12), making them the first Asian team to ever advance to the quarterfinals. Even though they lost to eventual winners South Africa, the competition greatly increased rugby’s popularity in the nation.
But that excitement didn’t exactly translate into long-term success. Eddie Jones returned in January 2024 with the intention of reproducing the “miracle” of 2015 in an attempt to rekindle previous glory. Japan has lost seven of their last eleven Test matches, including a crushing 53-20 loss to the Māori All Blacks in late June, but the results have been disappointing. Jones called it “a big loss,” but he also saw it as a chance for his younger players to learn.
Wales Rugby Match Review:
Matt Sherratt, the interim head coach of Wales, attributes his decision to return to the position for the summer tour of Japan to a number of reasons, including close consultation with his team, family advice, and one major regret from the Six Nations campaign.
Sherratt, who was brought in for the last three Six Nations games after Warren Gatland’s mid-tournament exit after a difficult second stint, didn’t change the course of events—in fact, Wales’ losing streak was prolonged—but he gave the team a much-needed boost of optimism as they started their post-Gatland era.
He didn’t make the decision to take command of the squad again lightly. He considered important lessons from the Six Nations and talked about striking a balance between player feedback and family conversations before announcing his 33-man touring party. Even though the team was unable to win, that experience helped him prepare for the next Tests.
Sherratt is determined to lead a performance-focused tour despite the pressure of managing Wales’ record 17 straight Test losses. His focus is on building a strong foundation, not only for the results in Japan but also to give the new permanent head coach a stronger starting point.
How to watch Japan vs. Wales Live Online:
Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Sounds; watch live on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer; and read highlights and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Japan vs. Wales Rugby Lineups
Japan: Takuro Matsunaga; Kippei Ishida, Dylan Riley, Shogo Nakano, Malo Tuitama; Seungsin Lee, Shinobu Fujiwara; Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Epineri Uluiviti, Warner Deans, Michael Leitch (capt), Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava.
Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shuntaro Kitamura, Ichigo Nakakusu, Halatoa Vailea.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.
