Welsh fans deserve long-awaited win - Wainwright
Aaron Wainwright is the current Welsh Rugby Writers Player of the Year
- Published
Summer tour first Test: Japan v Wales
Venue: Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu Date: Saturday, 5 July Kick-off: 06:00 BST
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.
Back row Aaron Wainwright says Welsh fans deserve to see the side end their losing run by winning both Tests in Japan this month.
Wales are on a record 17-Test losing sequence that stretches back to October 2023.
Matt Sherratt's side take on Eddie Jones' Japan on the back of a second successive Six Nations clean sweep of defeats.
The dismal run has seen Wales slump down the world rankings to 12th, only one place above Japan.
The tourists face the Brave Blossoms in Kitakyushu on Saturday, 5 July before the series concludes in Kobe a week later.
"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."
Gaining an elusive win
Aaron Wainwright has played 57 internationals for Wales
Wainwright is also hoping to gain an elusive victory after a barren season with club and country.
The 27,year-old has played 13 games for Dragons and a further seven internationals for Wales during the 2024-25 season.
There has been just one victory in those 20 matches which came for Dragons against Newcastle in Europe's Challenge Cup in January.
"Going so long without a win, being able to put an end to that this weekend is something that we're all aiming for," said Wainwright.
"As a collective, we're hoping that's the outcome."
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.