Wales and Japan prepare for second WXV Global Series test

Wales and Japan are set to face each other in the second Test of the 2026 WXV Global Series at Kumagaya Sports Culture Park Rugby Field on Saturday, October 31. The match follows a 17-0 victory for Wales in Tokyo, which moved them to 11th in the World Rugby rankings and left Japan at 13th following a run of five consecutive defeats.

Japan is looking to rebuild its squad and improve its set piece and attacking incisiveness. The Sakura XV lineup features returning debutants Savannah Bodman and Sophie Akiko Langford, with Jennifer Nduka starting in the pack.

Wales aims to secure consecutive test wins for the first time since 2023. Player Sisilia Tuipulotu noted that the Welsh forwards focused on building a strong platform through successful scrums to support the backs. Wales seeks to finish the season on a high note by maintaining dominance in the set piece.