The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England is fast approaching. And Lesley McKenzie is entering the final stretch of preparations with a focused and determined Sakura 15s squad. With just months remaining before the tournament kicks off. The message from the Japanese camp has been clear and unwavering.
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They are heading to England not just to participate, but to win. The team’s belief in its own ability has grown stronger with each season under McKenzie’s leadership. Recently, we caught up with the Canadian-born Head Coach during an intense training camp held in the serene yet challenging environment of Sugadaira. A ski resort nestled in the Japanese Alps of Nagano. There, amidst high-altitude drills and strategic fine-tuning. McKenzie is working tirelessly to ensure her players are mentally and physically ready to compete with the world’s best.
Bumpy 2024 Results Shape Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Mindset
Japan’s 2024 campaign may be seen as underwhelming on paper, but Head Coach Lesley McKenzie believes. It laid the groundwork for stronger performances heading into the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Out of ten test matches, the Sakura Fifteen secured just three wins, suffered six defeats and drew once. Though they retained their Asia Rugby Women’s Championship title. A first-ever loss to Fiji and missed opportunities against the USA left the squad visibly frustrated. Still, these tight contests revealed how far the team had come—and how close they were to truly competing with top-tier sides.
Turning the Tide Before Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
So far, 2025 has been kinder to Japan, with the team winning all three of their tests. Including a historic away victory over the USA. Wins against Kazakhstan and Hong Kong China followed, underlining their dominance in Asia. McKenzie sees these performances not only as confidence builders but as proof of improved game management and mental maturity. These are critical improvements. Especially with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 just months away. Where the margin for error will be razor thin and every decision could determine the outcome of knockout-stage hopes. Also Observe Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Revamp
Hard Lessons Pave the Way to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Reflecting on 2024, McKenzie acknowledges the emotional toll of letting close matches slip away. It was frustrating for the players and for us as a programme, she admitted. Yet, she views this frustration as a sign of progress. Japan, once largely confined to regional competition. Now has an annual test calendar and the responsibility to represent Asia on the global stage. Competing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will not only be an honour. It will be a test of the very growth those setbacks were meant to cultivate.
Experience Gap Still Evident Before Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Japan’s development continues, but McKenzie is realistic about the learning curve. Teams in the Six Nations, for instance. They are well-versed in handling tight situations due to regular high-pressure games. In contrast, Japan’s programme is still young, and often lacks those critical moments that seasoned nations thrive on. As the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 nears, Japan must bridge that experience gap quickly by relying on resilience and cohesion. Especially when facing teams accustomed to annual fixtures against world-class opponents like France and England.
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Level Playing Field Elusive Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
While European nations benefit from consistent competition, countries like Japan. South Africa, and Fiji still face logistical and scheduling challenges. McKenzie is vocal about the disparities in test match access and preparation time. Still, she views Japan’s progression as remarkable given the limitations, and she remains focused on keeping pace with the pack. In her words, “It’s a foot race, and we’re sprinting to stay in it. A mindset that will be central as they prepare to line up on opening day of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Northampton.
Global Competition a Crucial Step Toward Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
For McKenzie, global platforms like WXV have been transformational. She credits the three-week international series format with exposing Japan to different playing styles. And providing a consistent schedule in the lead-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Prior to that, Japan was a touring test nation. Often scrambling for one-off matches that lacked strategic cohesion. WXV gave the team a taste of tournament rugby and highlighted how consistent. Exposure can elevate performance levels, both on the field and within team dynamics.
Travel and Team Bonding Beyond the Fixtures
McKenzie believes that time spent together abroad is just as important as the matches themselves. Traveling for tests builds deeper team chemistry, strengthens communication across languages and cultures and instills resilience. She notes how overseas experiences have matured the squad. From struggling with unfamiliar food in Italy back in 2019 to now embracing the routine of international travel. It’s these human experiences, she argues, that help players remain composed under pressure and create a squad that functions as one cohesive unit when it matters most.
Talent Pool Growing but Still Facing Structural Gaps
Although Japan’s playing group is expanding, challenges persist due to the limited domestic fifteens calendar. When McKenzie arrived, the focus was largely on sevens, especially in preparation for Tokyo 2020. Even now, many fifteens’ players are drawn from sevens backgrounds and composite club setups. Building depth has required deliberate development strategies and a wider scouting net. The inclusion of standout club performers in the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship squad this year marked an important milestone. Showing Japan’s ability to produce competitive talent beyond the national pool.
Corporate Support Bolstering Women’s Rugby in Japan
One of the unique features of Japanese rugby, especially on the women’s side. Its link to corporate support. Many clubs operate with the backing of companies that employ players in roles that accommodate rigorous training schedules. This model, while different from the fully professional leagues of Europe. Enables extended team sessions and fosters long-term player commitment. McKenzie sees this hybrid structure as one of Japan’s strengths. Allowing players to balance sporting ambition with financial stability in a system rooted in cultural values.
Sacrifice and Struggle Shared by Many Nations
While Japan’s system is unique, the broader struggle for support in women’s rugby is a global issue. McKenzie points to her experiences with under-resourced national teams in Canada and the U.S. And observes how players from South Africa are moving abroad to gain experience. She praises Japan’s determination to grow despite not having a professional domestic league. And reminds us that the path to elite rugby for women in most countries still requires exceptional sacrifice, especially outside of Europe’s established leagues.
Overseas Experience Encouraged and Celebrated
McKenzie is a firm believer in the value of players gaining experience abroad. More Japanese women have played in top-level club systems overseas than their male counterparts. And she actively supports such opportunities. Exposure to different coaching styles, playing philosophies, and cultural environments brings fresh insight and growth. She believes that international experience adds layers to a player’s game and strengthens the national team. As a whole, making it better equipped to handle the challenges of elite competition.
Final Tests Before the Big Stage
Japan’s last stretch of preparation includes three vital test matches. Two against Spain and one against Italy before facing Ireland in their opening World Cup game on August 24, 2025. McKenzie is content with the schedule, though she, like most coaches, would always welcome more fixtures. She sees the Spain matches as crucial psychological challenges and believes Italy’s dynamic style will test their adaptability. Most importantly, these games offer the chance to fine-tune combinations and mental sharpness before the team steps onto the sport’s biggest stage.
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