Wednesday 12th June, saw Japan RWC 2019 mark an important milestone as it celebrated being only 100 days from the kick off of the World Cup.
World Rugby Marks 100 days
World Rugby and Asia Rugby rolled out a marketing wave of publicity material to mark the occasion.
Brett Gosper, SEO of World Rugby added”This has been the most planned World Cup, its been planned for ten years now, so 100 days to go make it very tangible. There has been huge excitement here in Japan to mark the 100 days.”
In addition the following details were announced:
- 80 per cent of available tickets sold with unprecedented demand from fans in more than 170 nations
- Impact Beyond legacy programme has attracted 1.16 million new rugby participants in Asia
- Milestone marked by unveiling of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Tudor countdown clock
- RWC2019 Trophy Tour has traveled 200,000 miles through 19 countries and inspired more than 80,000 people
https://www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup/videos/440521373432363/?t=6
RWC 2019 pools
In addition a number of images for the groups of the Rugby World Cup 2019 were released by World Rugby.
Pool A
- Samoa
- Japan
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Russia
Pool B
- Canada
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Namibia
Pool C
- Tonga
- Argentina
- England
- France
- USA
Pool D
- Georgia
- Uruguay
- Australia
- Wales
- Fiji
ChildFund Pass It Back
As an official charity partner of RWC 2019, ChildFund Pass It Back also released a video to celebrate the 100 days milestone. Earlier this week, the mascots of the Japan Rugby World Cup were announced as official ambassadors for the organisation.
The programme is a Impact Beyond 2019 legacy partner for RWC 2019 and said
“Today marks 100 days to go to Rugby World Cup 2019! We are proud to be partnering with World Rugby and Asia Rugby in what is set to be the most impactful Rugby World Cup ever! With the incredible support of the global rugby family, more than 20,000 children will be given the opportunity to learn key life skills, and #passitback to their communities.”
RWC 2019 said that 25,000 disadvantaged children in Asia will benefit from ChildFund Pass It Back support and confirmed that:
- 1.16 million Impact Beyond Asia 1 million project participants to date
- £1.5 million pledged to ChildFund Pass it Back from fans and commercial partners
https://www.facebook.com/ChildFundPassItBack/videos/418224235435326/?t=0
Troubles with Japan Rugby Football Union?
Japan Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said on the RWC 2019 website:
“Excitement is building throughout Japan as we count down the final 100 days to go before kick off on September 20th. The Webb Ellis Cup is here in Japan, our Host Cities are ready, our stadiums are in immaculate condition and our 20 teams are itching to take the field. I speak on behalf of all Japan, a 127 million strong welcoming committee, when I say that we are ready to welcome the world to Japan, and ready to host a truly memorable and once in a lifetime Rugby World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Kyodo News ran an article that said the World Rugby “are not concerned by the recent upheaval within the Japan Rugby Football Union and that it will not impact this year’s World Cup.”
This follows the resignation of JRFU Honorary President Yoshiro Mori in April 17 who suggested the current JRFU board should “follow suit to take responsibility for the lack of progress made in promoting the World Cup and developing legacy programs.”
The article went on to suggest Shigetaka Mori will become the new president of JRFU at the end of June 2019 with current men’s sevens coach Kensuke Iwabuchi as the new chairman.
Rugby World Cup Ltd. COO Alan Gilpin, said “the sport’s governing body would “push forward” and “work hard with the JRFU to make sure there is a sustainable legacy. It’s important we carry on working with Japan rugby and Asia rugby to deliver (on our promises).”
He believes the RWC would leave better rugby facilities for elite level rugby courtesy of the upgraded stadiums, while the 55 training camps would ensure better community facilities in Japan.
There was also speculation about the ongoing interest in youths taking up the sport in Japan as well question marks over the Sunwolves departing Super Rugby, the domestic Top Rugby in Japan and the National team.
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