Sakura Fifteen Set for Katsuura Selection Camp Ahead of Asia Rugby Championship 2026

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has announced the candidate roster for an upcoming intensive training camp in Katsuura, marking a critical selection window for the women’s national team as they prepare for international competition in Central Asia.

The camp will run from Monday, April 20, through Saturday, April 25, 2026. Hosted at Kokusai Budo University in Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, the gathering serves as the primary evaluation period for the squad that will represent Japan at the Women’s Asia Rugby Emirates Championship 2026 in Kazakhstan.

For the “Sakura Fifteen,” this camp arrives during a pivotal transitional era for the program, characterized by a shift in leadership and a rigorous spring schedule designed to maintain the team’s competitive edge on the global stage.

The Road to Kazakhstan

The immediate objective of the Katsuura camp is the finalization of the squad for the Women’s Asia Rugby Emirates Championship 2026. Following the conclusion of the camp on April 25, coaching staff will select the final members to travel to Kazakhstan for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from late April to early May.

Japan’s itinerary in Kazakhstan will see them face off against regional powerhouses, including the host nation, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. These matchups are more than just regional pride. they are essential benchmarks for the team’s progress under a new tactical regime.

To supply fans a glimpse of the preparation, the JRFU has scheduled a public practice session on Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 to 11:30 local time at Kokusai Budo University. The union has noted that even as still photography is permitted, video recording during the session is strictly prohibited.

A New Era in Coaching

The Katsuura camp is one of the first major domestic milestones for the team following a significant change in the coaching hierarchy. Leslie Mackenzie, who served as head coach for seven years starting in January 2019, departed the role after her contract expired at the complete of December 2025.

In the interim, the Sakura Fifteen are being guided by Director of Rugby Tsuyoshi Arimizu and Acting Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa. This duo is currently responsible for the team’s strategic direction and player selection. According to official reports, the JRFU does not expect to announce a permanent new head coach until after the summer of 2026.

This period of interim leadership places a heavy emphasis on the Katsuura camp. Arimizu and Kitagawa will be looking for players who can adapt to their requirements while maintaining the high standards set during the previous cycle, which included a historic victory over the United States in 2025.

Squad Composition and Candidate Profiles

While the full candidate list is extensive, the selection highlights a reliance on established domestic talent. Notable call-ups include props Nanako Ushijima and Sachiko Kato, both representing the Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars. The inclusion of these experienced front-row players underscores the importance of set-piece stability as Japan prepares for the physical challenges typical of matchups against Kazakhstan.

The selection process in Katsuura will likely focus on three key areas: physical conditioning, tactical cohesion under the interim staff, and the integration of newer candidates into the established core of the Sakura Fifteen.

For those unfamiliar with the national team’s structure, the “Sakura Fifteen” refers to the 15-a-side national squad. Here’s distinct from the 7s national team, which operates under a separate selection and tournament cycle.

Looking Toward WXV 2026

Beyond the immediate goal of the Asia Rugby Championship, the Katsuura camp provides a foundational stepping stone for the WXV 2026 tournament. The WXV competition, which is undergoing a format refresh, is scheduled for September and October 2026.

The WXV serves as a critical pathway for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. The performances in Kazakhstan and the development seen during the Katsuura camp are not isolated events but part of a long-term strategic build-up toward the next World Cup cycle.

Camp Logistics and Public Access

For supporters planning to attend the public session in Chiba, the JRFU has issued several directives to ensure the smooth operation of the camp:

• Venue: Kokusai Budo University (841 Shinkan, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture 299-5295).
• Public Window: April 23, 10:00–11:30.
• Transport: There is no parking available for spectators; the employ of public transportation is mandatory.
• Restrictions: Access is limited strictly to the public session time; no other times are open for viewing.

As the Sakura Fifteen transition into this new chapter, the Katsuura camp represents more than just a training exercise—We see the first true test of the team’s resilience and adaptability under interim leadership. The results of this camp will dictate the trajectory of Japan’s campaign in Central Asia and their standing in the broader Asian rugby landscape.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the team will be the announcement of the final traveling squad following the conclusion of the camp on April 25.

For the latest updates on the Sakura Fifteen and official squad announcements, follow the Japan Rugby Football Union.