Common goal to deliver successful RWC 2019

Almost two years since Japan made history by becoming the first Asian country to be awarded hosting rights for a Rugby World Cup, tournament organisers are confident that preparations for Rugby World Cup 2019 are on track with all stakeholders united behind delivering a successful event.

At a special media briefing in Tokyo today, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Chairman Bernard Lapasset and Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) President Yoshiro Mori reinforced the shared objective of delivering a tournament which Japan, Asia and the global Rugby community will be proud of. All stakeholders are also committed to providing the framework to accelerate the growth of Rugby throughout a Region which has experienced a 19% participation increase since RWC 2007.

Central to the strategy is full cross-party and business sector support, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and financial underwriting from Japan’s National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health (NAASH). All will work closely with the RWC 2019 Organising Committee to ensure that all conditions of hosting set out by RWCL are met.

Lapasset said: “The key to the successful delivery of a major international sporting event such as Rugby World Cup is support from a range of stakeholders, including Government. Strong progress has been made since Japan was awarded the tournament nearly two years ago and with eight years to go until what will be an historic first event in Asia, we are confident that the building blocks are in place to deliver an outstanding event.”

Mori added: “The JRFU and the RWC 2019 Organising Committee are committed to using RWC 2019 as a means not only to promote and grow Rugby in Japan and Asia but also to provide an important focus point for Japan's International profile.”

“Rugby World Cup 2019 will be the most significant sporting event to be held in Japan for at least the next 10 years and we are determined to ensure that it will be an outstanding success.”

The visit by Lapasset and RWCL Managing Director Mike Miller, the first since the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, also provided the opportunity to express solidarity and support for the people of Japan from the global Rugby family.

Lapasset added: “The thoughts and sympathies of the global Rugby family are with the people of Japan and all those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Japan has experienced significant heartache and challenges over the past few months, challenges that have affected the everyday lives of the Japanese people and the Japan Rugby community.”

“Rugby is built on the values of solidarity and friendship and I know that the JRFU has been overwhelmed by the messages of support and sympathy from the global Rugby family. We are all right behind the Japan Rugby community and the tournament and I have no doubt that Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a tournament that Japan and the global Rugby family will be proud of.”