Japan Confirm Matchday Squad for Nations Championship Clash with Ireland

Japan have named their 23-man matchday squad for Saturday's Nations Championship encounter against Ireland at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time (19:00 JST), with the Brave Blossoms looking to continue their campaign against one of the world's leading rugby nations.

Warner Dearns will captain the side from the second row, leading a squad that blends experienced internationals with exciting young talent. Veteran flanker Michael Leitch is set to make his 94th appearance for Japan from the replacements bench, while scrum-half Naoto Saito (29 caps), No. 8 Jack Cornelsen (30 caps) and centre Dylan Riley (39 caps) provide valuable experience in the starting XV.

Japan's front row sees Takato Okabe, Mamoru Harada and Shuhei Takeuchi combine, while Dearns is partnered in the engine room by Harry Hockings. Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa and Cornelsen complete the loose forwards.

Naoto Saito starts at scrum-half alongside Ryunosuke Ito, who earns just his second international appearance after making his debut earlier this year. The midfield pairing features Yuya Hirose and Dylan Riley, with Taira Main and Kazuma Ueda occupying the wings and Takuro Matsunaga lining up at full-back.

The replacements include hooker Hayate Era, props Sojiro Otsuka and Keijiro Tamefusa, lock Michael Stolberg, veteran loose forward Michael Leitch, utility forward Tiimagen Costley, scrum-half Itsuki Kamimura and fly-half Sam Greene, giving Japan experienced options across the squad.

The fixture marks another significant test for Eddie Jones' side as they continue their Nations Championship campaign against an Ireland team currently ranked among the world's elite.

Japan Matchday Squad

Starting XV

1. Takato Okabe

2. Mamoru Harada

3. Shuhei Takeuchi

4. Harry Hockings

5. Warner Dearns (captain)

6. Ben Gunter

7. Kanji Shimokawa

8. Jack Cornelsen

9. Naoto Saito

10. Ryunosuke Ito

11. Taira Main

12. Yuya Hirose

13. Dylan Riley

14. Kazuma Ueda

15. Takuro Matsunaga

Replacements
16. Hayate Era
17. Sojiro Otsuka
18. Keijiro Tamefusa
19. Michael Stolberg
20. Michael Leitch
21. Tiimagen Costley
22. Itsuki Kamimura
23. Sam Greene

Match Details

Nations Championship 2026
Japan v Ireland

Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 20:00 local time (19:00 JST)