JRFU Announce Sakura Fifteen’s Domestic Match Schedule
The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce the 2025 domestic match schedule for the Japan Women’s National Team – the Sakura Fifteen.
In what will be a massive year for women’s rugby, the Sakura Fifteen are set to host Spain, their Pool C rivals at Rugby World Cup for a two-test series. The fixtures will take place on July 19 at Mikuni World Stadium, in Kitakyushu and July 26 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.
Japan and Spain will face off again in England on September 7, on the game’s biggest stage. It will be a must-win World Cup pool match for Japan if they are to make it out of their pool for the first time ever.
Commenting on the announcement, JRFU President, Masato Tsuchida said:
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders for their support in enabling us to host these Sakura Fifteen test matches in 2025. We are honoured to welcome the Spanish Women’s National Team – Las Leonas, a powerhouse of European rugby to Japan.
“With the Rugby World Cup coming to England in August, this year will mark a pivotal moment in the development of the women’s game worldwide. The Sakura Fifteen will take centre stage, drawing greater attention than ever. Ahead of their departure to England, they will showcase the culmination of their progress in these send-off matches, vowing to excel on the global stage.
“The JRFU are committed to ensuring that as many fans as possible can attend and enjoy these matches, and we are confident that with your support, we can witness the continued growth and achievements of the Sakura Fifteen.”
Further domestic fixtures will be announced as soon as details are finalised.
Japan Women’s National Team Domestic Match Schedule 2025
Saturday 19 July
Japan vs Spain
Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu
Saturday 26 July
Japan vs Spain
Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground, Tokyo
Historical Match Results
Sakura Fifteen v Spain
3 matches, 1 win and 2 losses
16 July 2023: 27-19 (W) Guadalajara, Spain
12 May 2002: 62-0 (L) Barcelona, Spain (RWC)
11 April 1991: 32-0 (L) Llantarnam, Wales (RWC)