Riku Kitahara to make Japan debut against Wales

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has named uncapped fly-half Riku Kitahara in his starting lineup for Saturday's Nations Championship clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The 27-year-old will make his senior international debut as the Brave Blossoms seek their first away victory over Wales.

Riku Kitahara Named Japan Starting Fly-Half

Kitahara has been selected to partner experienced scrum-half Naoto Saito, who will share the captaincy with lock Warner Dearns.

Jones has retained several players from Japan's 34–28 defeat against Fiji in Tokyo on October 24, including prop Yota Kamimori and hooker Mamoru Harada.

Shuhei Takeuchi completes the front row, while Dearns partners Harry Hockings in the second row.

The back-row combination features Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa and Jack Cornelsen, providing continuity in Japan's forward pack.

Eddie Jones Names Japan Backline Against Wales

Japan's midfield will feature Samisoni Tua and Dylan Riley, while Inoke Burua and Kippei Ishida have been selected on the wings.

Kazuma Ueda completes the starting backline at full-back.

Kitahara, who plays for Tochigi Honda Heat, will earn his first international cap if he takes the field against Wales. His selection provides Japan with a new option at fly-half for the November internationals.

Japan Seek Historic Away Victory Against Wales

The Brave Blossoms have previously defeated Wales in Japan but have never secured a victory against the Welsh on their home soil.

Following Saturday's encounter, Japan will face England on November 14 before travelling to Scotland on November 21.

Japan XV: 15 Kazuma Ueda, 14 Kippei Ishida, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Samisoni Tua, 11 Inoke Burua, 10 Riku Kitahara, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Jack Cornelsen, 7 Kanji Shimokawa, 6 Ben Gunter, 5 Warner Dearns (captain), 4 Harry Hockings, 3 Shuhei Takeuchi, 2 Mamoru Harada, 1 Yota Kamimori.

Reserves: 16 Kenji Sato, 17 Sojiro Otsuka, 18 Opeti Helu, 19 Michael Stolberg, 20 Tiennan Costley, 21 Kenta Fukuda, 22 Shinya Komura, 23 Jisu Lee.