Ireland women’s rugby returns to Galway this Sunday with a point to prove. After letting a 19-point lead slip in a dramatic defeat by the USA, Scott Bemand’s side face Japan at Dexcom Stadium, where another significant test awaits in the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series.
Ireland women target winning response against Japan
The match kicks off at 12.45pm and will bring the Ireland squad back to the home of Connacht Rugby for the first time since April’s impressive 57-20 victory over Italy in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. That game drew a then-record crowd of 9,206, underlining the growing interest in women’s sport and rugby in Ireland.
Tickets remain available, with supporters expected to create another strong atmosphere in the west. For Ireland, the priority is clear: turn the attacking promise shown against the USA into a more complete 80-minute performance.
Ireland appeared in control last weekend after building a 31-12 advantage, but the Women’s Eagles produced a powerful comeback to win 40-36. The result was disappointing, although the performance also offered encouragement for a team continuing to develop during the current World Cup cycle.
Head coach Bemand highlighted the speed and ambition of Ireland’s attack, while identifying the need to manage momentum more effectively when opponents fight back.
“Some parts of it I’m genuinely delighted with,” Bemand said, pointing to the way Ireland continued to move the ball and create opportunities.
Japan bring a different challenge to Galway
Japan, currently ranked 12th in the world, will present a different tactical examination from the USA. Bemand expects his players to deal with Japan’s distinctive style before facing a physically imposing South African side in the next phase of the campaign.
Ireland defeated Japan 42-14 at last year’s Rugby World Cup and also edged the Sakura 15s 15-12 at the RDS in November 2021. The teams shared the spoils during Ireland’s 2022 tour of Japan, ensuring there is useful recent history behind Sunday’s meeting.
The key battle may come in Ireland’s ability to maintain possession, win collisions and prevent Japan from turning broken-field opportunities into attacking pressure. Defensive organisation after turnovers will also be crucial after the collapse against the USA.
Selection interest before team announcement
Bemand is due to name his team on Friday afternoon, with competition for places particularly strong among a squad containing established internationals and several players pushing for their first Test appearance.
- Munster hooker Beth Buttimer has impressed during the province’s successful Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship campaign.
- Munster back Alana McInerney is among the uncapped players hoping to make her Ireland debut.
- Ulster prop Sadhbh McGrath will be eager for involvement after being an unused replacement against the USA.
- Niamh Gallagher and Katie Whelan are part of a younger group gaining valuable international experience.
There is also encouraging news among the returning players. Aoibheann Reilly came back from injury as a second-half replacement last weekend, while Cork native Emily Lane continues to compete for a role in the backline. Stacey Flood, who has started Ireland’s last 11 matches at full-back, brings both consistency and versatility.
Experience and emerging talent in Ireland’s squad
The group combines developing players with a core of proven performers. Linda Djougang made her 58th Test appearance against the USA, while Dorothy Wall is approaching her 50th Ireland cap. Neve Jones and Brittany Hogan are also nearing that milestone.
At the other end of the experience scale, Ulster lock Olivia McKinley is attending her first senior Ireland camp after recently making her provincial debut. Chisom Ugwueru is another uncapped back looking to make an impression during the autumn international window.
Captain Erin King is expected to lead the response in Galway after coming through a bruising opening fixture with a black eye. Her leadership will be important as Ireland seek greater control in the closing stages of the match.
Read more
Ireland sports news and rugby updates from Daily Digest
Explore more
Irish sports headlines, match previews and analysis
What to watch when Ireland face Japan
Sunday’s Test is about more than simply recovering two points in the WXV standings. It is another opportunity to build the habits Ireland will need throughout the World Cup cycle: clinical finishing, accurate kicking, disciplined defence and the ability to close out pressure moments.
The Galway crowd can play its part, but Ireland must supply the performance. Japan’s speed and structure will test the hosts from the opening whistle, while the result should offer a clearer indication of how quickly this developing team can respond to adversity.
The next step is straightforward: Ireland need to convert last week’s attacking promise into a full-match display and return to winning ways in Galway.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
