There’s something quietly satisfying about Ireland and Japan meeting on a rugby pitch — two sides with contrasting styles, a touch of history from that 2019 World Cup upset, and now a stretch of matches that give fans plenty to track. Whether you’re based in Dublin or planning to watch from elsewhere, here’s everything you need to know about the fixtures coming up.

4 related posts

Next men’s match: 8 November 2025, Aviva Stadium, Dublin ·
Women’s RWC 2025: 24 August 2025, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton ·
Nations Championship 2026: 11 July 2026, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • 2026 Nations Championship kick-off time differs across sources (World Rugby)
  • Full broadcast listings not confirmed until closer to events (World Rugby)
  • Hospitality pricing for 2026 matches not yet published (World Rugby)
3Timeline signal
  • Women’s RWC Pool C: 24 August 2025, Northampton
  • Men’s Autumn Nations: 8 November 2025, Aviva Stadium
  • Japan hosts Nations Championship: 11 July 2026, Newcastle
4What’s next
  • Tickets available now via Ticketmaster and AvivaStadium.ie
  • SafeTix mobile entry for Dublin match
  • Ireland’s 2026 summer tour includes Australia and New Zealand fixtures
Detail Value
Primary Venue 2025 Aviva Stadium, Dublin
2026 Venue McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
Kick Off 2025 Autumn 12:40pm GMT
Irish Broadcaster RTÉ
Ticket Platforms AvivaStadium.ie, Ticketmaster.com.au

Where can I watch Ireland v Japan?

The most practical starting point for Irish viewers is RTÉ, which holds rights to select Ireland internationals. For the latest news, streaming options, and official match updates, Irish Rugby Football Union publishes complete match-day guides that include broadcast details closer to each fixture.

Ireland broadcast options

RTÉ covers home matches at Aviva Stadium, and their coverage typically begins with pre-match analysis. For viewers outside Ireland, World Rugby offers official streams through its platform, though geo-restrictions apply.

International streaming

Fans based in Australia can check Rugby World Cup for women’s RWC coverage, while IRFU’s official announcement for the 2026 Newcastle match should list regional broadcast partners as the date approaches.

Free vs paid services

RTÉ provides free-to-air coverage for Irish audiences. Some streaming options may require a subscription, particularly for viewers accessing matches from outside traditional broadcast regions.

Editor’s note

Always verify broadcast details from official sources close to match day — schedules can shift, and rights holders sometimes change.

What time is the Ireland Japan rugby kick off?

The Autumn Nations match kicks off at 12:40pm on 8 November 2025 at Aviva Stadium, according to the IRFU’s official match-day guide. Gates open at 11:10, with team anthems at 12:30 — plan accordingly if you’re attending.

2025 Autumn Nations kick off

The 12:40pm GMT kick-off time puts the match in a mid-afternoon slot, which works well for both Irish and European viewers. Dublin.ie confirms this timing and notes the match is the opening fixture of Ireland’s Quilter Nations Series.

2026 Nations Championship time

For the 2026 Nations Championship fixture in Newcastle, Ireland’s IRFU confirms an 8pm AEST kick-off on 11 July 2026. Note that World Rugby currently lists the match for 10 July 2026 at 17:00 local time — there’s a discrepancy worth flagging if you’re planning travel.

Women’s RWC 2025 schedule

The women’s Pool C clash at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton takes place on 24 August 2025, per World Rugby’s official match page. The referee for that fixture is Clara Munarini.

What TV channel is Ireland v Japan on?

For Irish audiences, RTÉ is the primary broadcaster for home internationals. RTÉ Sport typically provides comprehensive coverage including pre-match build-up, live commentary, and post-match analysis for key fixtures.

RTÉ confirmation

Per available listings, RTÉ covers select Ireland v Japan matches — though viewers should check the RTÉ Sport rugby schedule closer to each event for confirmation and any scheduling changes.

Alternative channels

For those outside Ireland, World Rugby operates streaming services, and Autumn Internationals tracks broadcaster listings across regions.

Global broadcasters

Broadcast rights vary by region. Rugby World Cup provides information on women’s RWC coverage, while IRFU publishes broadcaster updates for each fixture.

Is Ireland v Japan on RTÉ?

Yes, for select internationals — RTÉ holds rights to Ireland’s home matches, and Ireland v Japan fixtures typically feature in their rugby coverage. RTÉ Sport confirms broadcast patterns for major matches, though individual fixture confirmations come closer to match dates.

Past coverage patterns

RTÉ has covered previous Ireland v Japan encounters, including the memorable 60-5 win in 2021 when Johnny Sexton earned his 100th cap and received a ceremonial samurai sword from Japan captain Pieter Labuschagne, as reported by Dublin.ie.

Upcoming confirmations

The IRFU match-day guide for November 2025 should include broadcast details as confirmation arrives.

Backup options

If RTÉ doesn’t carry a specific fixture, World Rugby’s official platforms and Rugby World Cup streaming services offer alternatives.

Where can I get Ireland v Japan rugby tickets?

Tickets for the 2025 Autumn Nations match are available through Ticketmaster Ireland and IRFU’s official site, with prices starting from €25 according to Dublin.ie. The 2026 Newcastle fixture tickets will be available via Ticketmaster Australia once confirmed.

Aviva Stadium 2025

Aviva Stadium uses the SafeTix system, which means your phone is your ticket — download the IRFU Ticketmaster Account and add tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before arrival. Levy.ie, the stadium’s operational partner, confirms that no bags larger than A4 size are permitted, and all kiosks inside the stadium are cashless.

Newcastle 2026 via Ticketmaster

For the 11 July 2026 Nations Championship match at McDonald Jones Stadium, tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster Australia. The venue set a record rugby crowd of 28,132 earlier in 2025, so demand is expected to be high.

Women’s RWC tickets

World Rugby’s official RWC page handles tickets for the women’s Pool C match at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton on 24 August 2025.

Why this matters

SafeTix isn’t just a convenience — it cuts down on queues and counterfeit tickets. But it means you absolutely need a charged phone with the wallet app ready before you reach the turnstile.

Ireland v Japan Rugby Timeline

Three confirmed meetings span from August 2025 through July 2026, covering women’s RWC, the Autumn Nations Series, and the Nations Championship.

Date Event Venue
24 August 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
8 November 2025 Autumn Nations Series Aviva Stadium, Dublin
11 July 2026 Nations Championship McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

The pattern emerging: Ireland faces Japan at home in November, then travels to Australia the following July for the return fixture in the Nations Championship. The women’s side gets its own moment at the Rugby World Cup in August — a separate fixture that deserves its own attention.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed

  • Dates and venues from World Rugby and IRFU official sources
  • Tickets for 2025 available via Ticketmaster and AvivaStadium.ie
  • SafeTix mobile entry system for Aviva Stadium
  • Kick-off times: 12:40pm GMT (Nov 2025), 8pm AEST (Jul 2026)
  • Women’s RWC match on 24 August 2025, referee Clara Munarini

What’s unclear

  • Full TV listings until closer to events
  • 2026 Nations Championship kick-off time: sources disagree on date (10 vs 11 July) and time
  • Hospitality pricing for 2026 Newcastle fixture not yet published
  • Regional broadcast partners for 2026 match pending confirmation

What the officials say

Japan will host Ireland in an historic Nations Championship Test match at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, July 11.

— Irish Rugby Football Union, official announcement

Your Phone Is Your Ticket — Sign into your IRFU Ticketmaster Account. Tap to enter is available with Apple Wallet and Google Pay.

— IRFU, official ticketing guide

For Irish fans watching from home, the choice is straightforward: check RTÉ listings and stream via their official platforms. For those planning to attend in Dublin, SafeTix is non-negotiable — arrive with your wallet app set up and your ticket loaded. The November 2025 fixture at Aviva Stadium offers the most accessible entry point at €25 minimum, making it the realistic option for most supporters.

Related reading: Cheap Flights from Dublin to Sydney · What Time Is It in Sydney

Additional sources

sportsbreaks.com, rugbyfixture.com, en.rugby-japan.jp, tickets-rugby.com, rugbytravel.ie

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

When was Ireland v Japan Rugby World Cup 2019?

Ireland faced Japan at the Rugby World Cup inpool stage in September 2019, with Japan pulling off a stunning 19-12 upset victory in Shizuoka. That result remains one of the most memorable upsets in Irish rugby history.

What was the Ireland v Japan rugby score today?

Scores vary by match. Ireland’s most recent win over Japan was 41-10 at Aviva Stadium in November 2024, while a 2021 encounter ended 60-5 in Ireland’s favour.

How does Ireland rank against Japan historically?

Ireland has historically dominated the fixture, though Japan shocked them in 2019. Recent matches (41-10 in 2024, 60-5 in 2021) show Ireland winning comfortably, making the 2026 Nations Championship meeting an interesting test.

Are there live updates for Ireland v Japan rugby?

Yes — IRFU and World Rugby provide live match updates, scores, and commentary for international fixtures.

What are predictions for Ireland v Japan 2026?

Ireland enters as the higher-ranked side and typically performs well in summer tours. However, Japan has improved significantly, and playing in Newcastle as the home team gives Japan an advantage in the 2026 Nations Championship fixture.

Who are key players in Ireland v Japan rugby?

Key players change based on squad selection. For Ireland, historically important figures include Johnny Sexton (who earned his 100th cap against Japan in 2021). Check IRFU for current squad announcements ahead of each fixture.

Is there a stream for Ireland v Japan rugby outside Ireland?

Yes — World Rugby offers streaming options for international matches, though regional restrictions apply. Check broadcaster listings for your specific location.