Ireland come into Rugby World Cup 2025 with some momentum ahead of their opener against Japan in Northampton. The Irish came from behind to beat Scotland in a warm-up match in Cork earlier this month, and are ranked fifth in the world, their highest ever position.
Japan sit just one place outside the world rugby’s top ten, and have their work cut out in a tough Pool C alongside New Zealand and Spain. Competing in their third straight World Cup, the Sakura Fifteen arrive in England with confidence after victories against fellow tournament participants USA and Spain (twice) this year.
Kick-off: 12:00 BST, Sunday, 24 August
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
From where to go before kick-off, to must-visit local attractions, check out Phil Dowson’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Guide to Northampton.
How to watch: Grab some of the few remaining tickets here.
Or check out our global guide to the TV options in your region.
Ireland team
Ireland key player: Versatile back Stacy Flood (pictured) is a key cog in the Irish backline. Having represented her country in both sevens and now in 15s, she can play in a variety of positions as well as being a reliable kicker.
Japan team
Japan key player: Named on the bench, fly-half Minori Yamamoto is set to represent her country at a third World Cup. Yamamoto’s cool head could be key to unlocking a Japan backline known for their pace and footwork when the game breaks up in the second half.
What they said
Ireland head coach, Scott Bemand:
“We’ve used the pre-season games as a combination of elevating performance and getting some combinations in. We’ve picked this squad to get a performance and a
result out of this game. It’s important to start a World Cup in a positive manner.
“Japan are a good team. They’re well disciplined, well organised, strong coaching group, so we’re anticipating seeing some stuff we’ve not seen from them before.”
Ireland co-captain, Edel McMahon:
“You feel like you prepare a long time for this first game so it’s a case of ‘let’s get out on the pitch’. I’m really excited and just buzzing to get going.”
Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie:
“All I can probably say about this group is that they can be really proud of their preparation, they put a lot into it. I’m really pleased with the detail that the players have brought to the challenge the coaches and the staff have laid out – I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”
“We’ve been very upfront about what the sequencing of our pool competition looks like. So, since March, when we assembled for this campaign, we’ve known this is a key game for us – it sets a tone, it sets a standard, and we set our stall out how we want to play, perform and be seen at this tournament. So, this is the game that it’s been about because it’s a statement of who we are and what we’re here for.”
Japan captain Iroha Nagata:
“We really want to showcase what we have built up in the past years from our domestic camp and our international tour. When it comes to game day, we are fully ready to give everything we have got against Ireland.
“I’m very happy to be here and grateful to make my third World Cup and more so than ever I’m excited to be here as a captain leading the team. In terms of pressure, I feel, compared to my first or second World Cup, perhaps a little bit more relaxed, I have a bit of peace of mind, so I’m really looking forward to the game this weekend.”