Rugby This Summer

This summer, Welsh rugby fans are in for a treat as the national team jets off to Japan for a headline two-Test tour. With a fresh crop of players and a renewed sense of determination, the tour offers a chance to rebuild and give new talent a platform ahead of a busy international calendar.

Summer Tour to Japan

Wales will face Japan this summer, marking their first tour to Japan since 2013 and comes at a pivotal moment following a challenging Six Nations. The two Tests are:

• Saturday 5 July in Kitakyushu 
• Saturday 12 July in Kobe 

Making all the headlines in Wales rugby news, Matt Sherratt will take the reins again, supported by a refreshed coaching setup that includes Gethin Jenkins and former full-back Leigh Halfpenny, now stepping into a new role as kicking coach. The squad announcement brought a wave of excitement, with 16 changes from the Six Nations team and the inclusion of six uncapped players. 

Hooker Dewi Lake has been handed the captaincy, while Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams are absent due to British & Irish Lions duties. The tour will be followed closely by Welsh fans as a crucial opportunity to turn the record losing streak around and give them something to cheer about.

Women’s Rugby and Summer Preparations

Wales Women are gearing up for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, with final preparations—including training camps and warm-up fixtures—taking place this summer. The focus is on building cohesion and hitting peak form ahead of their late summer pool stage:

• 23 August 2025 – Wales vs. Scotland, Salford Community Stadium
• 30 August 2025 – Wales vs. Canada, Salford Community Stadium
• 6 September 2025 – Wales vs. Fiji, Sandy Park, Exeter

U20s

The Wales U20s also have a major summer ahead as they compete in the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship, held in Italy from 29 June to 19 July. The tournament offers a crucial platform for rising talent, with Wales set to face some of the world’s strongest age-grade teams.

In preparation, they’ll take on two warm-up fixtures:

• 6 June – vs. England U20s at Pontypool Park
• 13 June – vs. Italy U20s at Cardiff Arms Park

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re glued to the big international clashes or soaking up the atmosphere at your local club, there’s plenty to get excited about. With fresh talent breaking through, a daring tour of Japan ahead, and the women’s team gearing up for a landmark World Cup, summer 2025 promises to be a sizzler.