Sakura Fifteen Push Ireland All the Way in Galway
The Sakura Fifteen produced a spirited second-half fightback before going down 31-24 to Ireland in a closely fought WXV Global Series encounter at Dexcom Stadium in Galway on Sunday.
Ireland made a strong start, scoring 19 unanswered points before Sakura Fifteen hooker Moe Nagaoka crossed for her first of two tries just before the break. Trailing 19-5 at halftime, Japan responded strongly early in the second half, with Nagaoka crossing for her second try just four minutes after the restart.
This set the tone for a much stronger performance from Japan as their forwards found their rhythm, providing the backline with a steadier platform from which to launch their attacks. The Sakura Fifteen continued to push their hosts all the way to the final whistle, with further tries from replacement prop Nijiho Nagata and flanker Nami Asari.
While it was a solid performance from a team that fell to Italy by 34 points last weekend, there is still work to be done ahead of the return match in Cork. Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa and his coaching team will have been encouraged by the improvement shown by the side. Scoring tries hasn’t been an issue for the Sakura Fifteen, with the greater challenge being to strengthen their defence. In that respect, Japan showed clear improvement in Galway compared to their performance a week earlier in Pordenone.
Sunday’s match was also a significant occasion for Japan Captain Moe Tsukui, who earned her 50th Test cap for the Sakura Fifteen. The 26-year-old started at halfback and led the side until being replaced late in the match.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday, October 3 at Virgin Media Park in the southern Irish city of Cork. The match presents another opportunity for Japan to build on their performance in Galway as this new generation of Sakura Fifteen players continues its development.
Sakura Fifteen 2026 Match Schedule
Friday 4 September
Japan vs Fiji
12-15 (L)
JAPAN BASE Fukuoka
Saturday 19 September
Italy vs Japan
55-21 (L)
WXV Global Series
Pordenone, Italy
Sunday 27 September
Ireland vs Japan
31-24 (L)
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