Women’s rugby is entering a new era — and Japan is right in the middle of it.

In this episode of Rugby Unity in Japan, David Pembroke speaks with Lesley McKenzie, Head Coach of Japan’s Women’s 15s team, about how far the program has come and what must happen next to unlock its full potential. From pathways and professionalisation to international partnerships and community investment, this is a roadmap for the future of the women’s game.

Lesley brings valuable insight from coaching in New Zealand and Japan, the lessons of two Women’s Rugby World Cups, and why collaboration across the Asia-Pacific is critical.

Also in this episode:

• Rebuilding Japan’s 15s program from the ground up
• Australia’s stalled progress in the women’s game
• Why Japan’s fast, high-skill style is so exciting to watch
• The 2019 Rugby World Cup’s lasting impact
• Canada’s rise and expanding rugby audience
• How investment in coaching changes everything

PLUS: Why community rugby must be protected to grow the global game.

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