Sakura Fifteen turn to 43-cap Brave Blossoms lock as new head coach

43-cap Brave Blossoms lock Toshizumi Kitagawa has been appointed as head coach of the Sakura Fifteen ahead of the WXV Global Series.

This September, Japan will play Italy and Ireland in Europe, before hosting Wales for two Tests on home soil in October. They will also play Ireland once outside of the WXV Global Series window.

Kitagawa represented the Japan men’s national team between 2005 and 2013, and represented his country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

During his professional playing career, Kitagawa represented Toyota Verblitz for 15 years before he concluded his time on the pitch with Hino Red Dolphins, who he then worked for as an assistant coach between 2021 and 2023.

The 45-year-old replaces Canadian coach Lesley McKenzie, who left her role with Japan at the conclusion of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

In England, the Sakura Fifteen exited the tournament at the group stage after Pool C losses to Ireland and New Zealand. They concluded their time in England with a 29-21 win over Spain’s Las Leonas in York.

Earlier this year, Kitagawa led Japan to a seventh-straight Asia Rugby Women’s Championship as interim head coach.

He previously worked with the Sakura Fifteen as forwards coach in the same tournament in 2025. Kitagawa will be straight to work with Japan as the WXV Global Series draws ever closer.

His squad will gather at JAPAN BASE in Fukuoka on Thursday for a training camp, before hosting Fiji on Friday 4 October. The coaching staff is completed by Yusuke Aoki [forwards coach] and Keisuke Fujimori [attack coach].

Sakura Fifteen WXV Global Series training squad

Wako Kitano, Hinata Komaki, Asuka Kuge, Kotomi Taniguchi, Nijiho Nagata, Masami Kawamura, Yuna Sato, Otoka Yushimura, Sakurako Korai, Nduka Jennifer, Moe Tsuki, Minori Tamamoto, Kanako Kobayashi, Haruka Hirotsu, Mana Furuta, Komachi Imakugi, Sakurako Hatada, Sora Nishimura, Nanako Ushijima, Juka Fuji, Miharu Machida, Nami Yoshida, Yuki Yoshitake, Moe Nagaoka, Mae Okubo, Saya Nakamura, Nami Asari, Mio Nishimura, Mele Yua Havili Kagawa, Savannah Bodman, Anan Seo, Sara Takahashi, Suzuka Nakashima, Kanna Hayashi, Sawa Harada, Uta Kataoka, Kokoro Shiimura, Honoka Tsunokawa, Maiko Nishi