Wales are scheduled to host Japan in Cardiff on Saturday, 7 November, with 25 community clubs joining the matchday through a junior tag rugby festival. The Welsh Rugby Union says the lower tier at Principality Stadium has sold out. The festival will take place at nearby Cardiff Arms Park.

  • Fixture: Wales v Japan, Nations Championship
  • Kick-off: 16:40 on Saturday, 7 November
  • Festival: junior tag rugby with 25 community clubs at Cardiff Arms Park

A matchday beyond the stands

The WRU says hundreds of young players will take part in the festival. Extra under-18 tickets were also released after strong demand for the fixture.

The two events put international and grassroots rugby side by side: Wales play at Principality Stadium, while young players from community clubs gather nearby. The festival brings local clubs into the matchday, not just the crowd in the stands.

Wales name their side

Head coach Steve Tandy named Dewi Lake as captain. The WRU said Archie Griffin and Dafydd Jenkins were set to make their first Nations Championship appearances. Nicky Smith was selected for his first start in the competition.

World Rugby lists the fixture as a 2026 Nations Championship match in Cardiff. The match was scheduled for 16:40 on 7 November; no result is reported here.

Cardiff’s rugby day pairs a sold-out lower tier with a junior festival involving 25 community clubs.