Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has named 21-year-old Munster hooker Beth Buttimer in his matchday 23 for the first time ahead of their Test fixture against Japan at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The team enters this weekend’s clash following a lineup adjustment that includes six personnel changes from the side that previously faced the USA.
Team Selection and Debuts in Galway
Bemand’s squad features several shifts in personnel, highlighted by the inclusion of Connacht players Béibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, and Aoibheann Reilly in the back-line. In the forward pack, Munster prop Eilís Cahill earns her first Ireland start, Neve Jones takes the hooker mantle, and Brittany Hogan joins the back row at blindside flanker. Jemima Adams Verling moves to number 8, while Erin King captains the country from openside flanker for the seventh time. Aoife Wafer was ruled out of selection after sustaining a minor training injury.
On the bench, Buttimer and provincial teammate Jane Clohessy stand ready to claim their first and second Ireland caps, respectively. They are joined among the forward replacements by Sadhbh McGrath, Linda Djougang, and Grace Moore. Back-line options available to Bemand include Emily Lane, Aoife Dalton, and Niamh Gallagher.
Japan Squad Changes and Leadership
Japan head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa has made two adjustments to the side that faced Italy, bringing in Yokohama TKM hooker Moe Nagaoka to an otherwise unchanged pack. Scrum-half Moe Tsukui will captain the Sakura 15s on the occasion of her 50th Test cap. The visitors also hand a first Test start to 22-year-old Uta Kataoka at outside centre, partnering with Mana Furuta in midfield. Kitagawa’s bench features the introduction of Nijiho Nagata, Mio Nishimura, and Minori Yamamoto.
Match Context and Broadcast Details
Full-back Stacey Flood expressed enthusiasm for returning to the venue following the Green Wave’s presence during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Flood highlighted the facility’s design, noting that the close proximity of the crowd creates an energetic atmosphere for the squad. Following this fixture in Galway, the two teams are scheduled to meet again next Saturday at Virgin Media Park. The match is broadcast live on the TG4 Player and the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.