**Wales-Japan Rugby Clash May See Play Paused Due to Extreme Weather Concerns**
Wales are preparing for the possibility of mid-match halts during their upcoming first Test against Japan, as soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity threaten to create extreme playing conditions in Kitakyushu this Saturday. The encounter marks a significant challenge for Matt Sherratt’s squad as they take on Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms amid what weather forecasters are calling one of the most stifling spells so far this summer.
This development follows World Rugby’s recent overhaul of its heat and air quality protocols. The governing body has implemented an enhanced heat stress index, replacing a simpler temperature-only measure. This index now incorporates multiple climate variables, including air temperature, humidity, wind speed and radiant heat from the playing surface. Ahead of each match, these factors are taken into account to provide a composite score, which then guides teams and officials in their game-day decisions.
This scoring system ranges from zero to 250, reflecting varying degrees of heat stress. In the lowest band (0-99), teams are directed to follow conventional precautions. At 100-149, players are encouraged to hydrate more vigilantly and reduce excess clothing. Escalating to 150-199, matches will see scheduled three-minute cooling stoppages in both halves, supplemented by additional cooling measures such as iced towels. At the next tier (200-249), half-time is extended to twenty minutes, while any scores above 250 could result in matches being delayed or altogether suspended—a move seldom seen in top-flight rugby.
Sherratt’s squad, actively seeking their maiden Test victory in nearly two years, will only know what measures are in effect once a final match-day reading is taken. The Welsh camp, well-aware of the severity of Japan’s summer, have been rigorously preparing at home with advanced climate simulation facilities. Training regimes have included exercising in heat chambers that mimic the high humidity and searing temperatures expected this weekend.
Assistant coach T. Rhys Thomas told reporters, “Our strength and conditioning teams, nutritionists and medical staff have left nothing to chance. We’ve developed detailed medical plans making use of heat packs, ice, and robust recovery protocols, while trying to factor in as many breaks as the schedule permits.” He shared optimism that the game’s strategy would adapt efficiently to the likely necessity for cooling breaks. “All our prep has been very specific to those conditions; it’s safe to say the planning has been meticulous.”
Current conditions in Kitakyushu have regularly breached the 30-degree mark, and forecasts predict even hotter and more humid weather in the run-up to the second Test in Kobe. During a typical training session in Japan, the 33-strong Welsh squad used as much as 144 litres of water during a single hour, not just for hydration but to physically cool their bodies. Tuesday’s extended session required even more water and saw players taking full advantage of eight pitch-side ice baths, spending at least five minutes each submerged in frigid water. The amount of ice used soared from an initial 450kg to 500kg as conditions intensified.
Wales forward Aaron Wainwright described the resilience demanded by these preparations. “This morning was especially tough—we used soaking wet, ice-cold flannel hats, plenty of iced towels and cold water bottles just to keep going. All this should stand us in good stead for Saturday. The training we did at the Vale [of Glamorgan] has been hard and focused on acclimatisation.”
He compared the experience to other notoriously hot locations. “I’ve been to Turkey before, which was incredibly hot, but this has its own unique challenges, especially the humidity. As soon as you step outdoors you’re already sweating—it’s relentless. We’re hopeful that all the preparation will pay off when it matters most.”
The challenge ahead for Wales is not solely one of skill and tactical execution, but equally one of endurance and adaptation. World Rugby’s revised protocols highlight a growing recognition of the impact climate can have on the modern game. As the match approaches, all eyes will focus on whether Saturday’s Test will proceed uninterrupted—or whether safety will dictate the pace and rhythm of play in this unique international fixture.
The outcome could set a precedent for future international tournaments held in hot climates and will be a timely test for both teams and the administrative frameworks that govern global rugby. With player welfare firmly in the spotlight, the contest in Kitakyushu will be watched closely not only for on-pitch drama, but for the wider implications for the sport’s global future in an era of changing weather patterns.