Sean Jansen scores on debut as Ireland tops Japan in rugby matchup
ESPN Rugby • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 12:36 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Ireland secured a 36-20 bonus-point victory over Japan in the Nations Championship on July 11, 2026. Sean Jansen marked his debut with a try, contributing to Ireland's strong performance as they maintained their perfect start to the tournament. Earlier tries by Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, and Robbie Henshaw helped Ireland build an early lead. Japan kept the pressure on with a score from Taira Main and two penalties from Takuro Matsunaga, but could not catch up after Ireland's late surge. Ireland's next challenge will be against New Zealand in Auckland next week.
- •Ireland defeats Japan 36-20 in Nations Championship match.
- •Sean Jansen scores a try on his debut for Ireland.
- •Timoney, O'Toole, and Henshaw also score for Ireland.
- •Japan's Taira and Era score tries, but Ireland holds firm.
- •Ireland's next match is against New Zealand in Auckland.
- 1:30 PMESPN Rugby — Jansen scores on debut as Ireland win vs. Japan
- 12:08 PMYahoo Sports — Ireland hold off spirited Japan for bonus-point win
- 12:06 PMBBC Sport — Ireland hold off spirited Japan for bonus-point win
"Sean Jansen scored a try on his Ireland debut as they made it a perfect opening two wins from two in their Nations Championship campaign with a 36-20 bonus-point win over Japan in Australia.
"Sean Jansen marks his international debut with a try as a much-changed Ireland wore Japan to make it two bonus-point wins from two in the Nations Championship.
"Sean Jansen marks his international debut with a try as a much-changed Ireland wore Japan to make it two bonus-point wins from two in the Nations Championship.
Sources
External links- ESPN RugbyJul 11, 2026, 1:30 PMJansen scores on debut as Ireland win vs. Japan
Sean Jansen scored a try on his Ireland debut as they made it a perfect opening two wins from two in their Nations Championship campaign with a 36-20 bonus-point win over Japan in Australia.
- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 12:08 PMIreland hold off spirited Japan for bonus-point win
Sean Jansen marks his international debut with a try as a much-changed Ireland wore Japan to make it two bonus-point wins from two in the Nations Championship.
- BBC SportJul 11, 2026, 12:06 PMIreland hold off spirited Japan for bonus-point win
Sean Jansen marks his international debut with a try as a much-changed Ireland wore Japan to make it two bonus-point wins from two in the Nations Championship.
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