So it begins, stepping into the International Stadium in Yokohama, the 72,327-all seater stadium the largest of its kind in Japan, with hopes and dreams of what lies ahead. Dreams of theTokyo Olympics, that is, for the Irish women’s sprint relay team - although this weekend’s IAAF World Relays in Yokohama will also offer a taste of what’s to come for Ireland at the Rugby World Cup later this year. The International Stadium will host Ireland’s opening Pool A game against Scotland on September 22nd, as well as the Rugby World Cup final on November 2nd. In the meantime the Irish team of six women in Yokohama get the chance to put down their first marker towards Tokyo 2020, the qualification period for all track events now open since May 1st. Already a stadium with genuine pedigree (it hosted the 2002 World Cup final), the competition promises to be properly world class.

Source: The Irish Times May 09, 2019 14:37 UTC