Waino: Japan match is massive for all

Dragons RFC back row forward Aaron Wainwright admits the upcoming Test with Japan is ‘massive’ as Wales look to end their losing run by winning both overseas fixtures this month.

Wales have not won since October 2023 - a 17-Test losing sequence – as they prepare to face Eddie Jones' Brave Blossoms in Kitakyushu on Saturday (July 5) before the series concludes in Kobe a week later.

Wainwright is one of four survivors from the previous Wales squad to play in Japan alongside Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee and Josh Adams who were also in the 2019 World Cup squad.

"It's massive," said Wainwright. "The Welsh public deserve it. All the Welsh fans that are going to be out here and back home deserve it.

"Our minds are fully set on bringing home not just one, but two wins from this tour.

"We want to bring that pride back to Welsh rugby fans and public.

"Going so long without a win, being able to put an end to that this weekend is something that we're all aiming for. "As a collective, we're hoping that's the outcome.

 “It’s nice to be back in Japan,” added the 27-year-old. “I’ve seen a lot of Welsh and Japanese fans out on the streets the last couple of days, had a chance to speak to a few of them, and people I last saw in 2019.

“The first time I came here in 2019 I didn’t know what to expect and at the open training sessions we had there were full packed-out stadiums.

“The anthem was quite surreal and hopefully we’ll have some more of that this weekend.”

Wainwright is one of five Dragons on the tour, alongside Elliot Dee, Ben Carter, Rhodri Williams, and Chris Coleman.

“I obviously know Chris (Coleman) very well and he is a bubbly character. He hasn’t struggled to make some friends so far in camp,” added Wainwright.

“A tour like this, with the new boys, is a good chance to have that bonding, being close together in that bubble. It’s been good to get to know them better and they have all contributed.”