Scotland to play Japan in Edinburgh

Bryan Easson’s squad has just arrived back from Italy after their momentous final match of the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifiers where they produced a stunning performance in the final minutes to edge in front of Ireland and confirm their place in the repechage tournament in January. This success has also seen them rise to an all-time record high of ninth in the Women’s World Rugby rankings.

In November, they will host Japan to play in what is sure to be an exciting Autumn Test. Scotland last faced Japan in November 2019, in what was to become the last match that they would play in front of a crowd due to Storm Ciara and Covid-19 forcing a change of plans from February 2020 onwards. That match finished with a tough loss for Scotland after Japan scored in the 78th minute to win 20-24.

The COP26 UN Climate Change Conference is being hosted Glasgow at the same time as the Japan fixture, which will see the city implement changes to its transport infrastructure and an expected shortage of hotel rooms. Therefore, to enable the match to go ahead and avoid any potential disruption to attending fans and teams alike the decision has been taken for Scotland to play at Edinburgh Rugby’s DAM Health Stadium rather than their usual home ground of Scotstoun Stadium.

The Scotland team will wear their brand new 2021/22 Macron kit for the first time against Japan.

Head Coach Bryan Easson said on the announcement: “The squad are in a really good place right now following our win on Saturday in Italy. We have an exciting few months ahead with the final qualifying tournament for the 2022 Rugby World Cup in January.

“I am delighted that we will be playing Japan in front of a home crowd. The support that we have had from our supporters over the last 18 months has been fantastic and the whole squad can’t wait to run out in front of a home crowd in November.

“Japan gave us a great match in 2019 and I am sure that both teams will demonstrate some fantastic rugby for the supporters. This match will give the squad some valuable experience ahead of 2022 Rugby World Cup Qualifying Repechage where we will face Colombia, Samoa and the runners-up of the Asian qualifying tournament which will be either Japan, Hong Kong or Kazakhstan.

“We would like to thank Edinburgh Rugby for welcoming us to play in their new home. Scotstoun has been a great home for us, but in this instance playing in Edinburgh will hopefully allow more fans to come and support us, especially the day after the men play South Africa at BT Murrayfield.”

Keep an eye on the Scottish Rugby channels for ticketing information, which will be available soon.

Scottish Rugby has worked with the Scottish Government throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and, with all seats at BT Murrayfield and the Dam Health Stadium available for our Autumn Tests, supporters can be reassured that all relevant safety and security measures will be in place to ensure BT Murrayfield continues to be a safe venue to visit.*

*To read all of the measures being taken to ensure a safe matchday experience for spectators and those working at Scotland Men and Women matches this season, including information on how everyone attending these matches must be fully vaccinated, please visit the Scottish Rugby website.