3 days ago Internationals Womens USA and Wales see World Rugby rankings bump after big WXV wins
Big wins over the weekend have seen both the USA Women's Eagles and Wales climb the World Rugby rankings.
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Ireland Women face off against Japan Women in Women's Rugby World Cup Round 1 on Sun 24th August 2025 at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens. Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 12:00 and is broadcast on BBC iPlayer, BBC. In South Africa it’s at 13:00 SAST on SuperSport, 23:00 NZST on Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now, Sky Go in New Zealand, 21:00 AEST on Stan Sport in Australia and 04:00 EST on Paramount+ in the US.
Ireland Women won the last encounter but both teams are in the same form for their last 5 games.
Heading into the fixture, Ireland Women sits at 5 in the World Rugby Rankings, while Japan Women holds 11.
The two sides are separated by 6 places in the rankings with Ireland Women in position 5 and Japan Women in position 11 as such Ireland Women are favourites on paper.
The official squads for Ireland Women vs Japan Women will become available around 24- 48 hours before kick-off. Teams can still make changes up to an hour before the match however.
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Sign up for freeBig wins over the weekend have seen both the USA Women's Eagles and Wales climb the World Rugby rankings.
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Live Updates
Linda Djougang (Ireland) is shown a yellow card
The Ireland supporters go wild as Dannah O'Brien successfully kicks the conversion.
Ireland are only a few metres out, surely they must score! And they do with Enya Breen touching down.
The touch judges raise their flags as Dannah O'Brien kicks the conversion.
A perfectly timed interception by Eve Higgins allows them to score the try.
Ayasa Otsuka adds the two points for Japan.
The defence are desperately trying to hold out here but it was to no avail as Masami Kawamura dots the ball down from close range.
Dannah O'Brien does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
Incisive passing by Ireland is finished off by Fiona Tuite, as they goes over for the try.
Ayasa Otsuka makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
The pressure has finally told as Haruka Hirotsu scores from close range.
Dannah O'Brien makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
A wonderful passing move by Ireland is finished off by Beibhinn Parsons
Dannah O'Brien converts the try.
Nobody could stop that maul! Neve Jones places the ball down for the try.
Dannah O'Brien has kicked a conversion.
A stunning solo try from Amee-Leigh Costigan