Brumbies add 25-Test Japanese international to Super Rugby Women’s squad

25-Test Japanese international Wako Kitano has signed with the ACT Brumbies for the upcoming Super Rugby Women’s season, making the move to Australia’s capital after previous stints with the Mie Pearls and Leicester Tigers.

Kitano adds invaluable international experience to the Brumbies roster, having represented Japan at the 2022 and 2025 Rugby World Cups. The front-rower put in huge shifts of at least 68 minutes in pool matches against the Black Ferns and Spain at last year’s record-breaking event.

The 26-year-old picked up the sport at Kobe Kohoku High School, before continuing to play at Ryutsu Keizai University until 2022. Kitano would go on to represent prestigious Japanese side Mie Pearls and enjoyed a stint in the UK with Leicester.

Kitano joins a Brumbies squad that includes recent Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekon, the 2025 Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra, and recent Test debutant Ella Ryan. The Brums will look to build after their pre-season trial, losing to the Queensland Reds.

“I’m thrilled to join the Brumbies and can’t wait to play in front of the local fans during the Super W season,” Kitano said.

“It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m excited to work with the coaches and push myself to play my best rugby.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to the team each week

“I believe in this team and I’m looking forward to contributing to a successful season.”

Spanish international scrum-half Anne Fernandez de Corres and former Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, Ivania Wong, are among the other big-name additions to the Brumbies ahead of the opening round next month.

The Brumbies kick off their campaign away to the Reds in Brisbane on June 7, before returning home to face defending champions the NSW Waratahs on June 14. After making the trip to Nadi to face the Fijian Drua, the Brums will then take their bye week.

In the final round of the regular season, the Brumbies take on the Western Force at Canberra’s Viking Park. Only one side will miss out on the playoffs, with the others fighting for a spot in the Grand Final on July 26.

“Wako Kitano is a special signing for the club and will be a tremendous asset throughout the season,” Brumbies Super Rugby Women’s coach James Erwin said.

“Adding another international-calibre player will obviously strengthen our squad, and she brings a character and energy to our environment that we know will have a big impact on performances.

“She possesses a ball-carrying ability and strength at scrum time that we are excited about, and I am looking forward to seeing her perform across our SRW campaign.”