Parsons sets Ireland women’s try record as they edge Japan 31-24 at Dexcom Stadium on 27 September 2026

Beibhinn Parsons became Ireland women's all-time record try scorer as Ireland held off a late Japan fightback to win 31-24 in the WXV Global Series at Dexcom Stadium on 27 September 2026.

Ireland entered the game hoping to respond after last weekend's disappointment against the USA and worked to adapt to difficult conditions, with both sides reported to have navigated a strong wind in Galway. A dominant first half saw Brittany Hogan and Parsons cross to give the hosts control, while Scott Bemand's side were tested by stoppages and defensive resilience from Japan.

The scoring opened after 10 minutes when Hogan showed persistence to touch down from close range, and she extended Ireland's advantage after 30 minutes following a move finished by Aoibheann Reilly. The first half was blemished by a defensive error that created an opportunity for Japan, which Anna McGann then thwarted by rushing back to stop Nami Asari's run.

Parsons produced a solo effort on 37 minutes in her home town to stretch the lead before captain Erin King received a yellow card and Moe Nagaoka scored a late first-half try. Japan began the second half strongly and Nagaoka crossed from a maul to further reduce Ireland's margin.

Ireland responded shortly after the restart when Aoife Dalton, having come off the bench, touched down, and Japan's Nijiho Nagata then registered their third try from a maul. Parsons then completed her 24th Test try after linking with McGann's pass, with O'Brien adding the conversions that proved crucial as Japan continued to push in the closing stages.

The final scoring sequence saw Nami Asari cross late to narrow the gap, but Japan were unable to overturn the deficit and Ireland held on for a 31-24 victory. Match statistics: Tries — Hogan (2), Parsons (2), Dalton; Conversions — O'Brien (3). Japan: Tries — Nagaoka (2), Nagata, Asari; Conversions — Nishi (2).

Ireland: Flood; Parsons, McGann, Higgins, Elmes Kinlan; O'Brien, Reilly; O'Dowd, Jones, Cahill; Wall, Tuite-O'Sullivan; Hogan, King (capt), Adams Verling. Replacements: Buttimer, McGrath, Djougang, Clohessy, Moore, Lane, Dalton, Gallagher.

Japan: Nishi; S Nishimura, Kataoka, Furuta, Imakugi; Harada, Tsukui (capt); Komaki, Nagaoka, Kitano; Kawamura, Sato; Asari, Korai, Nduka. Replacements: Nagata, Yoshida, Fuji, Yoshimura, M Nishimura, Seo, Yamamoto, Havili Kagawa.

Scott Bemand will be encouraged by his side's response after they let a 19-point lead slip against the USA in their WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium.