rugby world cup 2019

Japan set to host 'spectacular' World Cup despite legacy issues

8 Comments
By Rich Freeman

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Since the last world cup, Japan has started their legacy and with them hosting it this year it will only contribute to building Japan as a competitive rugby nation. They have broken into the top 10. Beating South Africa in the previous world cup when no one else believed they could, it is safe to say that rugby Japan is in a good place right now.

Saying that Japan needs to perform during the world cup and needs to make it through to the group stages.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@rocketpanda - totally agree. This is a big opportunity for the Japanese team. Wishing them well!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The cherry blossoms! What a name for a rugby team.

https://www.ultimaterugby.com/japan/squad

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Since the last world cup, Japan has started their legacy and with them hosting it this year it will only contribute to building Japan as a competitive rugby nation.

With more than half of the team foreigners due to the nationality eligibility rule that is an utter joke, it is easy for any country with money to become a competive nation.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@ rocket, imo the jrfu could/should have done more to lift rugby's profile within the J sporting landscape (school and general public). Too many ppl still know F all about the game, how/where to play & watch etc.

A few of my clients went to the Japan vs AB game a couple of months ago... they all supported the kiwis, had bought the nz jersey etc! Was all about the haka.

Anyway hope the brave blossoms do well and qualify for the ko rounds. I think/hope they'll put 30-40 points on Russia.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There will be zero legacy from this in Japan. Rugby isn’t an easy game to introduce to Asian schools widely, due to the fact that it’s a full contact sport. Easier and safer to play soccer or baseball for Japanese kids and parents. The Japan team is doing better due to quality coaching in recent years, foreign players, more games against tier one nations and super rugby involvement. Japan as a nation will quickly and collectively turn their full attention to the Olympics as soon as Japan exits the tournament. Enjoy the RWC while it lasts for sure, but let’s be realistic!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Hard to practice rugby when every high-school has a gravel ground instead of nice grass to play on.

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