Wales vs Japan changes at the last minute with heat and humidity causing disruption

There will be three-minute water breaks halfway through each half and a 20-minute break at half-time.

This comes as the encounter between the two sides will kickoff at 14:00 (local time) where the heat and humidity will be at its highest and the Japanese Rugby Football Union have confirmed the changes.

This is in line with World Rugby’s new guidelines on heat and air quality which were only confirmed last week.The index runs between 0 and 250 levels, and the guidelines focus on heat stress rather than air quality.

In this case for Wales and Japan this opening match of a two-Test series falls under the high category (150-199) and very high category (200-249). Just one category below considering delaying or suspending the game.

Normally half-time breaks range from 10-15 minutes max, but tomorrow’s encounter will be different. Players will have ice towels, take on more fluids and will have to reduce the amount of clothing worn.

Wales have been seen using freezing flannel hats, something that the U20’s have also been using during their World Championships in Italy where it has also been very warm.

Matt Sherratt’s squad of 33 were required to spend a minimum of five minutes in an ice bath and 500 kilos of ice were used in one session.

On the conditions Sherratt said: “(It’s) really important, but they’re the same for both teams. Japan will be used to it.