The Wales national rugby team, ranked 11th in the world, will play a test match against Japan on July 5, 2025, at Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu. This marks Wales’ return to the city where they held a pre-World Cup training camp in 2019, an event that drew over 15,000 spectators. The enthusiastic reception they received at the time led to what has been dubbed the “Miracle of Mikuni Stadium.”
Japan has struggled historically against Wales, with a record of 1 win and 13 losses, but the match will serve as a key test for the national team as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. This will also be the first time Wales has played an official match in Kitakyushu, making it a significant event for local rugby fans.
Adding to the excitement, on July 19, 2025, Japan’s women’s national team will also play a test match at the same stadium against Spain, marking their final home match before the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Kitakyushu city officials hope these back-to-back international matches will further boost local enthusiasm for rugby and reinforce the city’s reputation as a key venue for the sport in Japan. Source: NHK
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