Japan will become the first Asian country to host rugby union’s marquee event, when 20 national teams compete for the Webb Ellis Cup. Venues for the ninth Rugby World Cup, running from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, are spread across 12 cities, from Sapporo in the north to Kumamoto in the south. Japan was also the first Asian nation to host a FIFA World Cup, along with South Korea, in 2002. That included what many regard as the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history, when the Brave Blossoms defeated two-time world champion South Africa. The World Cup will open a big 12 months for Japan in terms of international exposure: Tokyo is also hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Source: Washington Post June 20, 2019 23:46 UTC