Japan v Ireland, first Test - All You Need To Know

A first summer tour of its kind for Irish women's rugby, and the first of a two-Test series against Japan.

After a difficult Six Nations campaign which finished on a high, Greg McWilliams brings his side to the far east where they face a Japanese group that are finding good form ahead of the World Cup in October.

Ireland may be ranked six places higher than the hosts in the world rankings, but the odds will likely be stacked on the side of Japan, who have won four of their last five Tests in recent months.

With a full squad, Ireland would certainly have too much for the Shakura Fifteen, but several injuries, as well as the upcoming Sevens World Cup means that 10 of the 29 players in the full Irish squad are uncapped.

As such, the Test series is likely to be an experimental one for Ireland, who are testing out various combinations, particularly in their backline, as they look to get a head start on others for the next World Cup cycle.

KICKOFF

The game gets underway at 7pm local time, which is 11am in Ireland.

TV

TG4 will have live coverage of the game at Ecopa Stadium, getting under way from 10.40am.

ONLINE

RTE.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app will have have a live blog of the game, as well as a match report and post match reaction.

WEATHER

Even with kickoff at 7pm, conditions are expected to be hot and humid in Shizuoka, with temperatures close to 30C, and humidity between 85 and 90%.