Sakura Fifteen Fall to Italy in WXV Global Series Opener
The Sakura Fifteen have gone down 55-21 to Italy in their opening match of the 2026 WXV Global Series at Stadio Omero Tognon in Fontanafredda, Italy.
Playing their first fixture of a three-match European tour, Japan showed glimpses of the fast, attacking rugby they are looking to develop under Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa, fighting back strongly from a difficult start to briefly take the lead midway through the first half. However, the hosts ultimately proved too strong, scoring nine tries as they pulled away to record a convincing victory.
Italy made a flying start, crossing twice inside the opening seven minutes to race into a 12-0 lead. Japan responded impressively. After earning a penalty and kicking deep into Italian territory, the Sakura Fifteen used their driving maul to make significant ground before flanker Nami Asari powered over for their opening try. Fullback Maiko Nishi added the conversion to reduce the deficit to five points.
Just minutes later, Japan’s forwards were again at the heart of the action. Another powerful maul drove deep into the Italian 22, with hooker Asuka Kuge eventually touching down for Japan’s second try. Nishi was again successful from the tee, completing an excellent response from the Sakura Fifteen and putting the visitors 12-14 ahead.
The momentum then swung back decisively towards the hosts. Italy began to exert greater control at the breakdown and increasingly denied Japan the quick possession needed to generate their high-tempo attack. Tries from Alyssa D’Inca, Vittoria Vecchini and Giordana Duca saw the hosts re-establish control and take a 31-14 advantage into half-time.
Japan continued to look for opportunities after the break but found themselves under sustained pressure from an Italian side that combined physicality up front with dangerous runners across their backline.
Despite the growing deficit, the Sakura Fifteen continued to compete through to the closing stages and were rewarded with their third try of the afternoon. Experienced lock Masami Kawamura crossed late in the match, with Nishi’s conversion completing a perfect three-from-three from the tee and taking Japan to 21 points.
While the final margin was a disappointing one for Japan, there were positives for a Sakura Fifteen squad that remains in the early stages of their four-year rebuilding cycle ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Their response to Italy’s fast start demonstrated the attacking potential within the side, while Japan’s driving maul provided a strong platform for both of their first-half tries. The match also provided valuable exposure against one of the leading sides in the women’s international game, with Italy entering the WXV Global Series ranked sixth in the world.
For Kitagawa and his coaching team, the challenge will now be to build on those periods when Japan were able to impose their own game, while addressing the areas that allowed Italy to regain control and pull away as the match progressed.
The European tour continues in Ireland, where the Sakura Fifteen will face the Irish twice over the next two weekends. The action kicks off at Dexcom Stadium in Galway on Sunday, September 27, before the sides meet again at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday, October 3.
Sakura Fifteen 2026 Match Schedule
Friday 4 September
Japan vs Fiji
12-15 (L)
JAPAN BASE Fukuoka
Saturday 19 September
Italy vs Japan
WXV Global Series
55-21 (L)
Pordenone, Italy
Sunday 27 September
Ireland vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Galway, Ireland
Saturday 3 October
Ireland vs Japan
Cork, Ireland
Saturday 24 October
Japan vs Wales
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 / WXV Global Series
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 31 October
Japan vs Wales
WXV Global Series
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Stadium, Saitama