The Rugby World Cup started on Friday 20th September and at RugbyAsia247 we will try to bring you the best and most interest news relating to the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
Friday 20th September: Opening weekend RWC 2019
Japan and Russia opened the RWC in Tokyo (Pool A). It’s obviously the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Japan, and Asia, so the tournament has been promoted widely in the region and in Japan.. It is one of the highly anticipated World Cups in years and the hosts have been impressing with how they have embraced the tournament. See the World Rugby rankings for all teams at RWC 2019 here.
Japan overcame the Russians 30-10 in Tokyo but were a bit underwhelming, but credit also has to be given to the Russians who were written off by most people.
Saturday 21st September 2019: RWC 2019
- Australia vs Fiji: (Pool D)
- France vs Argentina: (Pool C)
Romain Ntamack will start in fly-half for the French for their RWC 2019 opener. His father, Emile, played for France at both the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups (including that famous shock win over the All Blacks in 1999). The pair will become the first father and son combination to have represented the French at the Rugby World Cups. (Source – Ultimate Rugby).
- South Africa vs New Zealand (Pool B)
Arguably the biggest pool game at the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the two rugby heavyweights battle out the game which should determine the team that tops the pool. Both sides have beaten each other twice in RWC history and they share 5 Rugby World Cup’s between them (NZ-3, SA-2).
Sunday 22nd September: RWC 2019
- Italy vs Namibia (Pool B)
- Ireland vs Scotland (Pool A)
The two teams will be looking for a vital win to start their campaigns and seek to top Pool A. The two teams who qualify will likely face South Africa and New Zealand from Pool B. Points difference may also come into play in this group and although Japan started the RWC with a win, neither Ireland or Scotland will be overly concerned from the Japanese performance. However, neither side will be complacent.
- England vs Tonga (Pool C)
JENESYS Programme and Impact Beyond
The Japan Rugby Football Union have been hosting 50 players/guests from the Asia Rugby Federations and 120 youths participants from the JENESYS programme this past week.
“The players will be participating in a short rugby clinic and rugby exchange activities with the aim to help grow and promote the sport in Asia, and the development of quality players for the Olympic Games and future Rugby World Cups.”
In addition, all of them attended the opening of the RWC in Tokyo on September 20th 2019.
The group includes Pass It Back rugby coaches who have also enjoyed cultural and rugby exchange activities and a school exchange with local high schools.
The JENESYS Youth Sports Exchange Programme, and Impact Beyond Scrum Project have made the trip possible. These trips to Japan have been organised 3 times in recent years. H
However, some of the early trips suffered from nepotism and favouritism allegations – that some participants sent from the Asian Rugby Unions were related to senior officials.
We sincerely hope that all of those in Japan make the most of their opportunity and are great ambassadors for rugby.
Race to RWC comes to an end
The pair of riders, James Owens and Ron Rutland, from the Race to RWC entered Tokyo on Thursday 19th Septemeber bringing to a close their journey which started in London. The referee for the opening game of RWC 2019, Welshman Nigel Owens, was on hand to greet the riders and receive the whistle for the game between Japan and Russia.
DHL Express also hosted and celebrated the two cyclists.
Shotaro Onishi (former Japanese national rugby player) also attended to meet the coaches and players from ChildFund Pass It Back.
The Race to RWC by the numbers:
- 231 Days
- 20,000+km
- 27 Countries
Rugby World Cup Daily
The Rugby World Cup has launched a daily web series which will run throughout the RWC 2019. The first episode aired on Thursday 19th September. The Daily Series is hosted by Elma Smit and will feature a mix of rugby personalities.
RWC On-demand streaming
J SPORTS, one of the three broadcast rights holders in Japan announced an on-demand streaming service with English commentary for the expected 400,000 visitors to the RWC 2019.
There are two packages available which can be seen here. The prices vary depending on which month is purchased. “All the matches, as well as the weekly highlight package, will be made available with English commentary, with the delayed stream to air approximately one hour after the end of the match,” said Kyodo News.
Squidge Rugby
If you love rugby analysis with a twist of humour, you cant do better than Squidge Rugby. We were only recently turned on to this genius channel and have no regrets tuning in during the RWC 2019. Squidge has pledged to do a daily review of games and will be in Japan, so say hi. (We will bring you more of some of the best rugby podcasts and shows to watch out for this RWC).
The Brighton Miracle
The movie, The Brighton Miracle, about the Japanese beating the Springboks at the RWC 2015 was due to be released on Amazon Prime on September 18th but has ht some minor delays. See more about our favourite rugby films and documentaries below.
RWC Olympians
A number of Sevens Rugby Olympians have been highlighted by the RWC as they will also be competing at the RWC 2019 in Japan. They feature 18 players from a number of teams including 4 Fijians who won gold in Rio in 2016.
The Japanese Brave Blossoms team include three Olympians from the side who claimes a surprising 4th at the Olympics in 2016. Japan will host the Olympics in 2020, and the Rugby Sevens of course.
Global Rapid Rugby representation at RWC
The GRR wrote this week that “twelve Global Rapid Rugby players are amongst those in Japan eyeing rugby’s ultimate prize with Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and the USA all calling on the talents of players that took part in the Showcase Series this year.” The new rugby tournament concluded its Showcase Series in 2019 with a fully-fledged season due to start in 2020.
The players include 6 Fijians, 2 Samoans, 3 Tongans and one American rugby player.
- Read more about our views of the first GRR showcase season here.
- Want to watch some rugby movies and documentaries? Read about the best rugby-related movies.
- Find out about the best rugby tournaments happening in Asia during the Rugby World Cup 2019.
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