Yokohama to Stage 2019 Rugby World Cup Final

 

World Rugby have approved a revised hosting roadmap for the 2019 Rugby World Cup which will see Yokohama replace Tokyo as the venue for the final.

The revised roadmap comes on the back of Tokyo scrapping their planned new National Stadium, which was due to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

World Rugby seeked assurances from Japan that they could still deliver the tournament and are now satisfied that the new plans meet the required criteria set by the governing body.

Other features that are of Japan 2019 will see the Tokyo Stadium replace the new National Stadium within the inventory of 12 host venues and also host the opening ceremony and opening match.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "These are exciting, unprecedented times for Japan Rugby and this revised roadmap reinforces and reflects the shared vision and mission to deliver a Rugby World Cup that will be great for Japan, great for Asia and great for Rugby.”

Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said: "This revised plan is an exciting blueprint for success and we are confident that Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a very special tournament for Japan and global rugby.

"We are also confident that the selection of the Tokyo Stadium for the opening match and the final in the International Stadium Yokohama will provide a spectacular backdrop for the tournament across Japan, throughout Asia and around the world."