Ireland women’s rugby returns to Galway on Sunday with Japan standing in the way of a crucial Vodafone Ireland WXV Series test. Dexcom Stadium is set to host a lively afternoon as Scott Bemand’s side looks to respond to its defeat by the USA and build momentum before the teams meet again in Cork next weekend.
Ireland Women Bring Fresh Energy to Dexcom Stadium
The match kicks off at 12.45pm on Sunday, September 27, with live coverage available on the TG4 Player and the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel. For supporters following Ireland sports, it is an important fixture in the international rugby calendar and another opportunity to see the growth of Ireland women’s rugby.
Bemand has made six changes to the side that faced the USA. The most notable inclusion is Munster hooker Beth Buttimer, who is in line to make her senior Ireland debut after impressing during the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.
There is also a first Ireland start for Eilís Cahill, while Neve Jones returns at hooker and Brittany Hogan joins the back row. Erin King captains Ireland for the seventh time, with Jemima Adams Verling moving to number eight after making her debut last week.
Parsons returns to the Galway stage
Connacht supporters will have plenty to look forward to, with Béibhinn Parsons returning to the venue where she produced a memorable hat-trick against Italy during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Anna McGann and Aoibheann Reilly also come into the back line.
Reilly links up with Dannah O’Brien at half-back, while McGann partners Eve Higgins in midfield. Stacey Flood and Vicky Elmes Kinlan complete the back three alongside Parsons.
Aoife Wafer is unavailable after suffering a minor training injury. The forward pack otherwise retains experience through Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, while Niamh O’Dowd makes a second consecutive start at loosehead prop.
Japan Promise Structure and Relentless Pressure
Japan arrive in Galway determined to show their progress under head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa, who was appointed permanently last month. The Sakura 15s have made two changes from their 55-21 defeat to Italy, with Moe Nagaoka selected at hooker and 22-year-old Uta Kataoka making her first Test start at outside centre.
Captain Moe Tsukui is set to earn her 50th Test cap. Seven members of Japan’s starting team also began last year’s Rugby World Cup pool meeting with Ireland, including Tsukui, Mana Furuta, Sora Nishimura and Komachi Imakugi.
Ireland’s players expect a disciplined and energetic opponent. Japan’s ability to chase, compete at the breakdown and maintain pressure for the full 80 minutes will test Ireland’s decision-making and ball security.
The key battles to watch
- Breakdown discipline: Japan’s work rate could make every loose carry costly.
- Ireland’s back-three attack: Parsons, Flood and Elmes Kinlan offer pace and counterattacking threat.
- Set-piece control: Ireland’s revised front row will need to establish a reliable platform.
- Midfield creativity: McGann and Higgins will look to create space against Japan’s organised defence.
Flood has welcomed the return to Dexcom Stadium, where the crowd sits close to the action. That atmosphere could prove significant as Ireland seek a confident response and a performance that reflects their attacking ambition.
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A Two-Match Test of Ireland’s Progress
Sunday’s contest is the first of back-to-back meetings between Ireland and Japan. The sides will face each other again at Virgin Media Park next Saturday, giving both teams a valuable chance to assess their progress and make adjustments quickly.
For Ireland, the priority is not simply the result. The performance will offer clues about the team’s depth, the development of emerging players and the effectiveness of the combinations introduced in Galway. Buttimer’s potential debut and the return of Parsons add particular interest.
Japan, meanwhile, will want to turn improved basic skills and tactical organisation into a more competitive showing. Their determination to continue developing makes them a dangerous opponent, especially if Ireland allow the game to become loose or lose control at the breakdown.
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What to Watch Next
The immediate focus is on whether Ireland can impose their tempo, use the width of the pitch and convert pressure into points. Japan’s response will be just as important, particularly during the opening exchanges and set-piece periods.
Kick-off is at 12.45pm at Dexcom Stadium, with Ireland aiming to turn home support into a strong WXV Series performance. The second meeting in Cork next weekend will then provide the next measure of how much either side has learned.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
