Japan Rugby Test Series 2025: Results and Analysis
The 2025 international rugby window saw Japan engage in a series of high-stakes encounters, beginning with a challenging warm-up against the Māori All Blacks and culminating in a two-match Test series against Wales. Under the guidance of coach Eddie Jones, the Japanese squad demonstrated significant resilience and a capacity to compete with top-tier international opposition.
Warm-up Match: Japan XV vs. Māori All Blacks
On 28 June 2025, the Japan XV faced the Māori All Blacks at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. The match served as a rigorous preparation exercise, though the Māori All Blacks dominated the encounter with a final score of 53–20.
The Māori All Blacks displayed clinical efficiency, scoring eight tries through Forbes, Wrampling, Eklund, McWhannell, Sullivan, Nock, Brown, and Hauiti-Parapara. Japan's efforts were led by Kazuma Ueda, who scored two tries, and Sam Greene, who contributed two conversions and two penalties.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
First Test: Japan vs. Wales
The first official Test match took place on 5 July 2025 at the Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu. In a historic performance, Japan secured a 24–19 victory over Wales, marking their first win against a tier one side (the top-ranked nations in international rugby) since their 2019 victory over Scotland during the Rugby World Cup.
Japan's victory was built on tries from Takurō Matsunaga, Ichigo Nakakusu, and Halatoa Vailea, with Lee Seung-sin providing perfect accuracy from the tee with three conversions and one penalty. Mamoru Harada was named Player of the Match for his pivotal role in the win.
This match was also a milestone for coach Eddie Jones, marking his 56th Test match in charge of Japan, a new record for a Japan coach. Conversely, the loss saw Wales drop to 14th in the World Rugby Rankings, their lowest position since the rankings began in September 2003.
Second Test: Japan vs. Wales
The series moved to Noevir Stadium in Kobe on 12 July 2025. Wales managed to bounce back, defeating Japan 31–22 to split the series. This victory was particularly significant for Wales, as it ended an 18-match losing streak—their first Test win in 644 days, since defeating Georgia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wales found success through a brace of tries from Kieran Hardy, along with scores from Josh Adams and Dan Edwards. Japan remained competitive, with tries from Shuhei Takeuchi, Warner Dearns, and Dylan Riley. Warner Dearns was recognized as the Player of the Match despite the loss.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Historic Win: Japan's victory over Wales on 5 July was their first win over a tier one nation since 2019.
- Coaching Record: Eddie Jones set a new record as Japan's most experienced coach with 56 Tests.
- Ranking Drop: Wales fell to 14th in the World Rugby Rankings, a record low for the team.
- Streak Ended: Wales ended a 644-day winless streak in the second Test.
- Debutants: Multiple players made their international debuts, including Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea for Japan, and Liam Belcher for Wales.
Match Summary Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 June 2025 | Māori All Blacks | Loss | 20–53 | Tokyo |
| 5 July 2025 | Wales | Win | 24–19 | Kitakyushu |
| 12 July 2025 | Wales | Loss | 22–31 | Kobe |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Player of the Match in the first Test against Wales?
Mamoru Harada was named Player of the Match for Japan's 24–19 victory over Wales.
What record did Eddie Jones break during this series?
Eddie Jones became the Japan coach with the most Test matches in charge, reaching a total of 56 matches.
How long had it been since Wales last won a Test match before the second game?
Wales had not won a Test match for 644 days, a streak that lasted from their win over Georgia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup until 12 July 2025.
Which Japanese players made their international debut during the first Test?
Ichigo Nakakusu, Kippei Ishida, Yota Kamimori, Shuntaro Kitamura, Waisake Raratubua, and Halatoa Vailea all made their international debuts.
What was the significance of Japan's first win over Wales?
It represented Japan's first victory over a tier one rugby nation since they defeated Scotland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.