Ireland Women's Rugby faces Japan in Galway WXV Series match

The Ireland women’s rugby team will face Japan at Dexcom Stadium in Galway as part of the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series. Following a recent 40-36 defeat to the USA, head coach Scott Bemand has implemented six changes to the squad.

Notable roster updates include the potential senior debut of Munster hooker Beth Buttimer, alongside first starts for Eilís Cahill and Brittany Hogan. Erin King will captain the side for the seventh time, with Jemima Adams Verling moving to the number eight position. The team will be without Aoife Wafer, who is sidelined due to a minor training injury.

Japan enters the match seeking to demonstrate their progress, while Ireland aims to regain momentum before their scheduled meeting in Cork next weekend.