Nichola Fryday, Ireland captain, says she is excited about the possibility of traveling to Japan in August for a series of two Tests.
Following an invitation from Japan, the IRFU announced the Tests. Japan is keen to host games before this year’s World Cup.
The Fukuroi City will host the opener on 20 August. The sides will then meet in Tokyo on 27 Aug.
Fryday stated, “It will have hugely exciting leading the group in Japan.”
After last year’s disappointment, the Irish finished third in this year’s Six Nations. Greg McWilliams is now the new coach and the skipper states that the Japan series will prove invaluable to the team.
The captain of Ireland said that the team is still building under Greg and the coaching staff. He added that it was important to continue moving forward with contact time and exposure to Test match situations.
Japan’s 12th position in the world rankings places them five spots below Ireland. The Japanese are fresh off their historic Test win over Australia. They will use the series as preparation for the World Cup to be held in New Zealand in October.
These two countries last faced off during the 2021 November tests at the RDS Dublin, when Ireland won a 15-12 victory.
McWilliams Coach will be reunited with the Ireland squad in July as preparations begin for the tour.
“The invitational series will give us the chance to spend time together, build cohesion and learn and grow, as well as test ourselves against a very strong Japan side in their home conditions,” stated the coach from Ireland.