Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

24 August 2025; A general view inside the stadium before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Preview: Ireland out to 'stamp authority' against Japan

Ireland begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Japan and have targetted a fast start at Franklin's Gardens.

26 April 2025; Edel McMahon of Ireland in action during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Scotland and Ireland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Paul Devlin/Sportsfile

McMahon returns as Ireland make four changes for Japan

Co-captain Edel McMahon has been passed fit and takes her place in the team to face Japan for Ireland's Rugby World Cup opener in Northampton on Sunday.

Rugby • 22 Aug

21 August 2025; Head coach Scott Bemand speaks to his players in a huddle during an Ireland Women's Rugby squad training session at Towcestrians Sports Club in Towcester, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Ireland v Japan: All you need to know

Ireland take on Japan in their opening game of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 at Franklins Gardens in Northampton. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Pool C clash.

Rugby • 23 Aug

20 August 2022; Linda Djougang of Ireland is tackled by the Japan defence during the Women's Rugby Summer Tour match between Japan and Ireland at Ecopa Stadium in Shizouka, Japan. Photo by Sportsfile

Japan women's rugby team: All you need to know

With the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup now just days away, all eyes are on Ireland's opener with Japan. Here's everything you need to know about Ireland's Pool C opponents.

Rugby • 21 Aug

Jones returns to coach Japan after a disastrous spell in charge of Australia

Japan confirm Jones return as head coach

The Japan Rugby Football Union announced Eddie Jones' return as head coach on Wednesday.

Rugby • 13 Dec 23

Marcus Smith en route to scoring one of this two tries

England set for All Blacks after comfortable Japan win

England warmed up for their autumn blockbuster against New Zealand by over-running Japan 52-13 at Twickenham, bouncing back from last week's defeat to Argentina.

Rugby • 12 Nov 22

Japan's Six Nations talks but prefer Rugby Championship

Japan are in talks with both the Six Nations and Rugby Championship over entering an expanded version of the competitions.

Rugby • 01 Jan 22

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph (left) and his assistant Tony Brown

Matsushima and Tamura named in strong Japan team

Kotaro Matsushima and Yu Tamura are notable inclusions in the Japan team to take on Ireland in Saturday's Autumn Nations Series opener at the Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 04 Nov 21