The Kitakyushu women’s 7s is ready to kick off.

The 12 captains came together at the Shinozaki Hachiman Shrine in, Japan, as the countdown continued to the fourth round of the World Rugby Women’s 7s Series this weekend.

New Zealand will face France – who they beat in last year’s Cup final – as well as Russia and host nation Japan, the invitational team in Kitakyushu, in Pool A.

Pool B sees Australia and Canada, currently tied on 46 points in the series standings, paired with Spain and China.

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side is pooled with USA, Ireland, and England in Pool C.

Fiji meets Ireland 1.30pm today in its first pool match and will then take on USA at 5.36pm before battling England at 7.58pm.