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Rugby, Sport

New research links Japan’s Rugby World Cup hosting with national pride and excitement boost

Rugby World Cup hosting was a catalyst for national pride growth in Japan, capturing the imagination, growing rugby interest and leaving a positive legacy for the sport, according to a major new study.


Japan 2019, which was won by South Africa, saw the best-ever performance of the Japanese Brave Blossoms as the hosts became the first team from Asia to reach the quarter-finals during a tournament that broke viewership, engagement, match and fan-zone attendance records.

GAME-CHANGING RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 IS A RECORD-BREAKER >>

Another major endorsement of the significant positive impact of Rugby World Cup as a high return on investment proposition for host nations and unions, the Nielsen Sports DNA study immediately after the tournament determined:

  • 78 per cent of the general public thought that Rugby World Cup hosting in a so-called “non-traditional” rugby market was positive for the future of the sport
  • 46 per cent of the general public thought Rugby World Cup was the most exciting sporting event of 2019 (70 per cent in Japan), compared to 25 per cent who disagreed, demonstrating the value of hosting to international marketing and national pride
  • The level of Rugby World Cup interest almost doubled from 26 per cent in 2018 to 44 per cent in 2019, representing more than 50 million people
  • Nine out of 10 people in Japan believed that Rugby World Cup hosting captured the imagination, boosting national pride, excitement and engagement
  • Nine out of 10 people in Japan got behind the national team on their run to the quarter-finals, reflecting a 33 per cent increase in ‘niwaka fans’ or new fans during the tournament
  • 83 per cent of people in Japan believe that hosting Rugby World Cup generated a positive legacy for rugby, delivering future major rugby event hosting opportunities for Japan
  • 50 per cent of those in Japan who followed Rugby World Cup had become interested in the sport in the last year, highlighting the significant legacy opportunity for host nations
  • 54 per cent of those in Japan who followed the tournament were doing so for the first time
  • 74 per cent of Japanese who were aware of Rugby World Cup believe that the tournament will encourage more children to play the sport

Almost half the population – a staggering 54.8 million – tuned-in on national free-to-air broadcaster NTV to watch Japan’s decisive pool match against Scotland, representing a single market audience record for rugby, while a record 1.2 million people visited fan-zones the length and breadth of the nation.

Another record was set with a 99.3 per cent of available tickets sold across the 45 matches, reinforcing Rugby World Cup as one of the must-see events. More than 400,000 international visitors travelled to Japan, many for the first time, to witness a unique celebration of rugby and Japanese culture.


Importantly, a dedicated partnership between World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the Japan Rugby Football Union saw 2.27 million new participants get into rugby in Asia since 2016 (1.17 million in Japan) through an innovative participation model.

A dual selection process for 2027 and 2031

The research comes as World Rugby prepares to announce details of the host selection process for Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2031.

The dual selection process, which will launch later this month, will enable World Rugby to select an optimal combination of hosts, as achieved for England 2015 and Japan 2019. The process will give successful candidates a longer preparation time that will optimise deliver and cost management.


World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We believe that Japan 2019 was one of the great Rugby World Cups and this latest study proves that hosting is of significant value to the host nation.


“Rugby World Cup is not just a six-week world-class sporting event, it is an attraction, a driver of sporting, social and economic growth and a low-investment, high return-on-investment proposition for host nations and host unions.


“Japan was a model of that statement. It maximised the hosting opportunity with full buy-in from national governments, host cities and the wider public. It was a unique shop window for the whole of Japan, its culture, tourism and business.”

AFT Features, AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Du Toit and Scarratt named World Rugby Players of the Year 2019

South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit and England’s Emily Scarratt have been named World Rugby Men’s and Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2019 in association with Mastercard respectively at the World Rugby Awards in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday.

On a night to remember at The Prince Park Tower, only 24 hours after South Africa had lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time with a 32-12 defeat of England, greats of the game past and present and the rugby family celebrated the outstanding achievers of the year.

On a celebratory night for world champions South Africa, Rassie Erasmus was named World Rugby Coach of the Year and the Springboks were also crowned World Rugby Team of the Year for the first time since 2009.

Du Toit was named the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year 2019, becoming the first Springbok recipient since Bryan Habana in 2007 and third overall.

He received the award ahead of five other nominees in Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, England flanker Tom Curry, New Zealand flanker Ardie Savea, South Africa team-mate Cheslin Kolbe and USA hooker Joe Taufete’e.

Du Toit said: “To my team-mates and our coaching staff, everyone here tonight said it is a team sport and I can’t emphasise it more. To my team-mates, the friendship we made over these last few months is unbelievable and for me personally it is a massive honour for me to accept this award.

“I think if the players around you play good rugby as well and you have got good coaching staff around you and you set your standards a bit higher it is just the way your life goes forward. It is an unbelievable feeling and the Springboks mean so much to me, I can’t describe it.”

Scarratt slipped seamlessly back into 15s in 2019 to claim the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award, the first English player to do so since her captain Sarah Hunter in 2016.

She received the award ahead of four other nominees in England team-mates Sarah Bern and Katy Daley-Mclean, France scrum-half Pauline Bourdon and New Zealand scrum-half Kendra Cocksedge.

Scarratt said: “We don’t chase after individual accolades and achievements in a team sport and I have been unbelievably lucky to play with and against some fantastic players over the years and it is pretty cool for sure.

“The quality of rugby in England and around the world is going through the roof. It is really exciting, I think the women’s game over the last few years has really pushed on and it is definitely down to us to showcase what we are about, put good quality rugby out there for people to see and hopefully New Zealand 2021 is going to be one hell of a spectacle.”

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “This has been a very special year for rugby, culminating in one of the great Rugby World Cups.

“All of the nominees should be very proud, but Pieter-Steph du Toit and Emily Scarratt have been outstanding this year and thoroughly deserve their accolade.

“They have not just demonstrated their excellence on the field, but they are also superb ambassadors for the game and an inspiration for a new generation of players and fans.”

The award winners were selected by independent panels, who voted on every match from the Six Nations through to the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. The process also involved player input. For more details on the respective awards panels, click here.

World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in association with Mastercard – Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

A linchpin in the South African pack, Du Toit has started nine of the Springboks’ 11 tests in 2019 and been an unused replacement in the RWC 2019 win over Canada. The towering 27-year-old may have flitted between second-row and flanker in the early days of his international career, but he has made the No.7 jersey his own over the last two years and his work-rate and versatility mean he is one of the first names down on Rassie Erasmus’ team sheet.

Nominees: Tom Curry (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), Ardie Savea (New Zealand), Joe Taufete’e (USA)

World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in association with Mastercard – Emily Scarratt (England)

The centre slipped back into 15s rugby in 2019 as if she had never been away playing sevens since Rugby World Cup 2017, starting four matches in a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winning campaign, and scoring a try against Scotland. The 29-year-old always seems to have more time on the ball, gliding through gaps or releasing team-mates into space. She was at her most dangerous in the Women’s Rugby Super Series, scoring four tries in her three starts and 43 points in total.

Nominees: Sarah Bern (England), Pauline Bourdon (France), Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand), Katy Daley-Mclean (England)

World Rugby Team of the Year – South Africa

South Africa have created history on a number of fronts in 2019, the first to win both the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup in the same year but also the first to lift the Webb Ellis Cup after losing a match, against New Zealand in their Pool B opener. That loss, 23-13, is their only one of the year, having won 10 and drawn the other of their 12 tests. On the back of their third Rugby World Cup success, the Springboks have risen to also number one in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings for the first time since November 2009.

Nominees: England, Japan, New Zealand, Wales

World Rugby Coach of the Year – Rassie Erasmus (South Africa)

It might not have been Rassie Erasmus’ intention to become Springboks head coach when he returned to South Africa but he has taken to the role with aplomb. An astute tactician, he has bonded the team together impressively and been rewarded with results. This year South Africa have won the Rugby Championship title and become the first team to lose a match in the pool stages and go on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup after a dominant 32-12 defeat of England, a result which took them back to the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings for the first time since November 2009.

Nominees: Warren Gatland (Wales), Steve Hansen (New Zealand), Eddie Jones (England), Jamie Joseph (Japan)

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in association with Tudor – Romain Ntamack (France)

A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2018, Romain Ntamack is calmness personified on a rugby pitch despite being just 20 and the youngest member of France’s RWC 2019 squad. He made his debut at centre in the Six Nations opener against Wales in February but has now made the fly-half berth his own, starting eight of his 12 tests there, including three in Japan. The son of RWC 1999 runner-up Émile, he has clearly inherited his father’s vision, flair and desire to attack the line.

Nominees: Joe Cokanasiga (England), Herschel Jantjies (South Africa)

World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)

Fijian playmaker Jerry Tuwai was nominated for the third year running after once again carving open defences at will with his vision and step, making the most of his diminutive frame to dart through gaps to create opportunities for himself or those around him. He may no longer have the captain’s armband but he is still the heartbeat of the Fijian side, helping them win titles in Cape Town, Hamilton, Hong Kong, London and Paris and a third series title for himself. The 30-year-old also featured in the HSBC Dream Team for the third year in a row.

Nominees: Folau Niua (USA), Stephen Tomasin (USA)

World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Ruby Tui (New Zealand)

A powerful runner and tireless worker at the breakdown, Ruby Tui is one of the first names down on coach Allan Bunting’s team sheet and someone who never gives less than 100 per cent for the Black Ferns Sevens’ cause. The 27-year-old, like her fellow nominees, was named in the HSBC Dream Team for the 2019 series, having started every match and scored 15 tries in their title-winning season. A New Zealand team without Tui in it is not as scary a prospect for teams, not only for her physicality but the way she inspires others around her with her performances.

Nominees: Sarah Hirini (New Zealand), Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)

World Rugby Referee Award – Wayne Barnes (England)

The 40-year-old is one of the most experienced referees of all time, having taken charge of his 90th test on Friday with the bronze final in Tokyo at the end of his fourth Rugby World Cup. A good communicator on the field, and a part-time barrister and trial advocate in London off it, Barnes has been an international referee for 13 years. With an attention to detail that is first-class, he is a great team player and leader who is always willing to help others learn.

Nominees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Nigel Owens (Wales), Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Award for Character in association with Land Rover – The city of Kamaishi

Rugby has a long, proud history in Kamaishi and the rugby community was a pillar of strength in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and resultant tsunami on 11 March, 2011 that claimed more than 1,000 lives in the town. As Kamaishi began the long road to recovery the idea was raised of hosting Rugby World Cup 2019 matches to bring hope to the local people. An emotional presentation convinced Japan 2019 organisers to name Kamaishi one of its 12 host cities and the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium was duly built on the site of the elementary and junior schools that were destroyed. On 25 September, 14,025 fans were welcomed for the Fiji v Uruguay match on a day of celebration and remembrance. Typhoon Hagibis sadly forced the cancellation of the Namibia v Canada match on 13 October – with both teams pitching in to help the recovery effort – but Kamaishi was already one of the endearing stories of RWC 2019.

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Bernard Lapasset (France)

The former World Rugby Chairman is recognised as an exceptional leader and a true visionary. He oversaw many of the significant moments in the game’s history, including Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa and the transition to professionalism during his first spell, and then rugby’s return to the Olympic Games programme in the form of sevens and the decision to award RWC 2019 to Japan during his eight-year tenure from 2008-16. A recipient of the Légion d’Honneur in 2006 and the Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur a decade later, Lapasset was also instrumental in France hosting RWC 2007 and is currently co-chairman of the Organising Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

IRP Try of the Year – TJ Perenara (New Zealand, v Namibia)

Playing in the unfamiliar role of fly-half against Namibia at Tokyo Stadium, TJ Perenara side-stepped Prince Gaoseb before racing into opposition territory and producing a stunning pass to George Bridge. Once play was recycled Rieko Ioane popped a pass to Brad Weber whose ridiculous offload found Perenara on the left wing. The All Blacks replacement set a course for the line, brushing off tackles from Obert Nortje and Helarius Kisting to touch down in the corner. Just.

Nominees: Charles Ollivon (France, v Wales), Sergio Parisse (Italy, v Russia), Cobus Reinach (South Africa, v Canada)

IRP Special Merit Award – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

Jamie Heaslip played 95 tests for Ireland, 13 of them as captain, and five for the British and Irish Lions from 2006-17 to take his place in the centurions’ club. The number eight enjoyed unprecedented success with Ireland, including Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam, not to mention numerous honours on the domestic front with Leinster. Off the field, Heaslip has worked with International Rugby Players and as a representative on World Rugby’s Rugby Committee and Rugby Athletes’ Commission, and also with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, speaking for players at all levels, men’s and women’s, sevens and 15s. The 35-year-old has also worked proactively with Rugby Players Ireland on issues such as protecting sensitive player data and image rights.

Full list of World Rugby Awards winners
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Emily Scarratt (England)
World Rugby Team of the Year – South Africa
World Rugby Coach of the Year – Rassie Erasmus (South Africa)
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in association with Tudor – Romain Ntamack (France)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Ruby Tui (New Zealand)
World Rugby Referee Award – Wayne Barnes (England)
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Bernard Lapasset (France)
Award for Character in association with Land Rover – The city of Kamaishi
IRP Special Merit Award – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
IRP Try of the Year – TJ Perenara (New Zealand, v Namibia)

For more details on the World Rugby Awards, visit www.world.rugby/awards.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Game-changing Rugby World Cup 2019 is a record-breaker

• Record 99.3 per cent attendance with 1.84 million tickets sold
• Record 1.13 million people in fanzones
• Record 54.8 million television audience for Japan v Scotland (Japan team involved in top 5 biggest ever television audiences)
• Record 437 billion Yen economic impact
• Record more than 1.7 billion digital video views
• Record legacy programme with 1.8 million new participants
• Record CSR programme with more than £2 million raised for ChildFund Pass It Back
• Record competitiveness with 30.5 average winning margin between Tier 1 and Tier 2
• Record attendance of 70,103 spectators at Yokohama International Stadium for the final

The first Rugby World Cup in Asia draws to a close with South Africa crowned champions and a multitude of records broken in the most impactful and ground-breaking Rugby World Cup in history.

With a record 99.3 per cent attendance across the tournament resulting in 1.84 million tickets sold, in addition to more than 1.13 million people filling the official fanzones and over 400,000 international visitors enjoying the incredible hospitality of hosts Japan, Rugby World Cup once again took its place at the top table of global sporting events.

Japan 2019 also smashed records for fan engagement around the globe with an incredible 1.7 billion digital video views and an estimated worldwide broadcast audience of 400 million, including a domestic all-time record television audience of 54.8 million for the unforgettable Japan v Scotland pool phase match.

World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee can look back on an incredible six weeks of action that saw competitiveness again increase on the field of play with the outstanding performances of Japan’s Brave Blossoms and admirable efforts from the likes of Uruguay, Georgia, Namibia and Tonga contributing to a decrease in the average winning margin between established and developing nations, and demonstrating that the future of international rugby is increasingly competitive.

Off the pitch Japan 2019 has proved to be the most impactful in history with more than 1.8 million new rugby participants across Asia as part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond legacy programme, while the generosity of the global rugby family has seen a record breaking £2 million raised for the ChildFund Pass It Back initiative, Rugby World Cup’s principal charity partner, benefitting over 25,000 underprivileged young people in Asia via rugby and life skills programmes.

With a record 437 billion Yen economic impact delivered for Japan, the Rugby World Cup has not only shone a spotlight on rugby in Asia but contributed significantly to business and commercial communities.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2019 has been one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time, and certainly the most ground-breaking in terms of bringing the game to new audiences and attracting new fans to the sport we love.

“On behalf of the whole global rugby family, I would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts Japan and the Japanese people for being such wonderful, humble and history making hosts.

“While South Africa will rightly take home the Webb Ellis Cup following their outstanding victory, the amazing performances of the Brave Blossoms undoubtably brought some of the most memorable moments of the tournament.

“The way Japan reacted to the incredibly difficult events surrounding Typhoon Hagibis was a tribute to the resilience and determination of the people of this wonderful country and we continue to think about all those who lost loved ones or were affected by this tragic event.

“Finally, I would like to thank all 20 teams, the players, match officials, organising committee, host cities and the amazing ‘No Side’ volunteers who all played their full part in ensuring Rugby World Cup 2019 will live long in the memory. Japan 2019 has broken records galore and has changed the face of rugby forever.”

Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu added: “The incredible action on the field and the amazing response from fans here in Japan and around the world have made the 44 days of competition pass in the blink of an eye. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the players who made the tournament truly special. With their on-field heroics and desire to embrace being in Japan, they have shown the very best attributes of rugby and in doing so, captured the hearts and minds of the host nation.

“Thanks also to all the fans. Your support, energy and enthusiasm has been truly wonderful and like the players, have shown the Japanese public why the global rugby family is such a special, unique and integral part this great game.

“I would also like to thank World Rugby for their partnership in running this tournament. We have worked together in a positive and proactive way, ensuring that the tournament was a major success.

“Finally, I send my best wishes to the people of France for a wonderful Rugby World Cup 2023. We are sure the tournament will be a great success and we offer all possible assistance and support during your preparations.”

As attention turns to the future, preparations are already well advanced for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, with a delegation from the organising committee participating in an official handover at the World Rugby Awards on Sunday 3 November.

AFTNews, Olympics, Rugby, Sport

South Africa to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

South Africa will host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 after the World Rugby Council awarded the hosting rights for the premier tournament to South Africa at its Interim Meeting in Tokyo today.

In September 2022 the eighth edition of the showcase event will take place in Cape Town in what will be the first time that Rugby World Cup Sevens has been hosted on the African continent.

The world’s best 24 men’s and 16 women’s rugby sevens teams will take to the field at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point where they will compete for world champion status over three days of exhilarating action.

The 55,000-capacity stadium is the same venue that has hosted the hugely successful HSBC Cape Town Sevens since 2015, and for the first time this year will host both men’s and women’s teams across three days of competition as part of the new-look HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The 2022 tournament follows an exceptional Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco which attracted a record attendance for a rugby event in the USA of more than 100,000 fans as well as a huge domestic broadcast audience of more than nine million viewers.

The three-day event, hosted at AT&T Park, generated a US$90.5 million economic contribution to San Francisco (Nielsen Sport) and saw both New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams retain the title.

The awarding of the tournament to South Africa comes after an initial record of 11 unions – Argentina, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Qatar, Scotland, South Africa and Tunisia – confirmed an expression of interest to the international federation.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Congratulations to South Africa on being elected Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 hosts. We were impressed with South Africa’s detailed and comprehensive bid and we look forward to working in partnership with them on another inspiring and record-breaking tournament.

“South Africa have a proven track record of delivering a sell-out event in the HSBC Cape Town Sevens, which is an esteemed tournament on the world series and will be of huge value to the planning and execution of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022.

“About to make its second appearance on the Olympic Games programme at Tokyo 2020, rugby sevens is an innovative and thriving format of the game that has enormous appeal, and we are excited about the positive impact that another successful Rugby World Cup Sevens will have on our sport.

“We would like to thank all of the unions who expressed an interest in hosting this growing event and hope to welcome them back to bid for future events as rugby sevens continues to go from strength to strength.”

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux added: “We’re delighted that South Africa and Cape Town has been confirmed as hosts for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022. We have been eager to host global rugby tournaments for a number of years and to have the flagship event in the growing sport of sevens come to South Africa is exciting.

“We saw how the sport engaged the audience in San Francisco last year and we are certain that it will be just as big a success in Cape Town. The HSBC Cape Town Sevens has established itself as a rugby bucket-list tournament in the past few years and we’re sure that international visitors to the event will experience a great tournament at an ideal rugby venue in a fantastic city.”

The appointment of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 hosts falls at the beginning of an Olympic season for rugby sevens as the sport prepares to make its second Olympic Games appearance at Tokyo 2020.

Rugby sevens made its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016 when the sevens format provided a captivating showcase for the game that saw its fan-base increase by almost 17 million in six key territories, with Tokyo 2020 expected to unearth an estimated 30 million new fans worldwide (Nielsen).

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 will be played during September of that year considering the international calendar, including the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Commonwealth Games that will take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2022. Competition dates will be confirmed in due course.

 

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

November tests announced in biggest year of women’s internationals

  • 12 test matches played by 12 different nations will take place this November
  • 2019 sees the highest number of women’s international fixtures played in history
  • 51 per cent more fixtures played in 2019 than in 2018
  • 11 match officials from eight nations selected for November internationals

The November women’s test fixtures and match officials have been announced in what has been the biggest year of women’s internationals in history.

A total of 12 test matches will take place between 3 – 30 November, 2019 in which 12 nations – Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, USA and Wales – will participate.

The November test window concludes a year that will have featured 74 women’s international fixtures played across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America, a 51% increase on 2018 and record number for the women’s 15-a-side game.

11 match officials from eight nations have been selected to take charge of the upcoming tests with England’s Sara Cox officiating the first fixture at the Estadio Central Universidad Complutense de Madrid on 3 November.

Wales will then go on to face Ireland at The Bowl in Dublin in a contest that will be overseen by Rebecca Mahoney of New Zealand on 10th November, before playing their final match against Scotland at the Scotstoun in Glasgow a week later where Nikki O’Donnell of England will be in the middle.

Women’s Six Nations 2019 runners-up, France, will host current title holders, England at the Stade Marcel Michelin on 9 November, with Ireland’s Joy Neville on the whistle. The two sides will meet again on 16 November at Sandy Park in Exeter, England in a contest that will be overseen by Rebecca Mahoney from New Zealand.

Italy will welcome Japan to the Stadio Tommaso Fattori on 16 November with France’s Aurelie Groizeleau in charge before they go on to face England’s Red Roses on 23 November in a fixture that will be held at Goldington Road and officiated by Hollie Davidson of Scotland.

Japan will play a second test against Scotland on 24 November at the Scotstoun to be overseen by Italy’s Clara Munarini.

After last meeting at the Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019, a North American derby will see USA host Canada at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in San Diego on 20 November with Australia’s Amber McLachlan as the referee. South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron will then take charge of a second encounter on 24 November.

The final November fixtures will be contested by the Netherlands and Hong Kong across two dates – 26 November and 30 November – hosted at the National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam. Italy’s Beatrice Benvenuti and England’s Laura Pettingale will take charge of the two matches, respectively.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said: “This has been a monumental year for the women’s game. A 51 per cent uplift in fixtures on 2018 is demonstrative of our commitment to growing and advancing the women’s game at all levels, particularly internationally.

“Providing more opportunities for international women’s teams to play competitive fixtures will continue to increase the standard of rugby and officiating as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2021, which will inspire many more women and girls to get into rugby across the globe.”

World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee Chair, Anthony Buchanan, added: “We would like to congratulate this group of officials who have earned their selection for the November test window through their consistent delivery at a domestic and international level.

“The increased number of women’s international fixtures this year has provided us with more opportunities to develop and expand our pool of referees, and we look forward to seeing their talent showcased this November.”

In August this year World Rugby announced that it has rebranded its men’s and women’s World Cup properties with the aim of achieving gender neutrality across the game.

Rugby World Cup 2021 will be hosted in New Zealand in what will be the ninth edition of the tournament and the first to be held in the southern hemisphere. It will bring together 12 of the best women’s teams from across the globe a six-week tournament.

#RWC2021 QUALIFICATION PROCESS >>

World Rugby launched a new Women in Rugby brand identity and campaign ‘Try and Stop Us’ in May this year aimed at driving increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the women’s game.

Women’s rugby is one of sport’s great success stories, experiencing unprecedented growth around the world. Participation levels are at an all-time high with 2.7 million players globally – making up more than a quarter of the global playing population – and a 28 per cent increase in registered players since 2017.

For the second year running, more young girls have got into rugby globally than boys and more than 40 per cent of rugby’s 400 million fanbase are female.

Women’s November internationals 2019:
All times local time

  • 3rd November 12:45Spain v Wales: Estadio Central Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain . Referee: Sara COX (RFU)
    9th November  14:10     France v England: Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand, France. Referee: Joy NEVILLE (IRFU)
  • 10th November 13:00Ireland v Wales The Bowl: UCD, Dublin. Referee: Rebecca MAHONEY (NZR)
  • 16th November  15:00England v France, Sandy Park: Exeter, England. Referee: Rebecca MAHONEY (NZR)
  • 16th November 14:30Italy v Japan: Stadio Tommaso Fattori, L’Aquila, Italy. Referee: Aurelie GROIZELEAU (FFR)
  • 17th November 15:10 Scotland v Wales: Scotstoun, Glasgow, Scotland. Referee: Nikki O´DONNELL (RFU)
  • 20th November 15:00USA v Canada: Chula Vista, San Diego, CA, USA. Referee: Amber MCLACHLAN (RA)
  • 23rd November 15:00 England v Italy: Goldington Road, Bedford, England. Referee: Hollie DAVIDSON (SRU)
  • 24th November  15:00 USA v Canada: Chula Vista, San Diego, CA, USA. Referee: Aimee BARRETT-THERON (SARU)
  • 24th November 13:00Scotland v Japan: Scotstoun, Glasgow, Scotland. Referee: Clara MUNARINI (FIR)
  • 26th November 19:30Netherlands v Hong Kong: NRCA (National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam). Referee: Beatrice BENVENUTI (FIR)
  • 30th November 15:00Netherlands v Hong Kong: NRCA (National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam). Referee: Laura Pettingale (RFU)

 

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Rugby World Cup 2019 Final referee appointed

World Rugby has announced that France’s Jérôme Garcès will referee the Rugby World Cup 2019 final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on 2 November.

One of the world’s most experienced referees with 55 tests, Garcès will be the first Frenchman to take charge of a Rugby World Cup final, in what will be his 11th Rugby World Cup match.

Garcès will be joined by Romain Poite (France) and Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) as assistant referees and Ben Skeen (New Zealand) as TMO.

Garcès said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. It is a dream as a referee, but this is a team sport, and as a team of four, we will be out there to do the best for the teams, the fans, the sport, but also the entire match officials team, selectors and support team, who have worked so hard over the last four years, culminating in Rugby World Cup 2019.”

England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the bronze final – as he did at RWC 2011 – between New Zealand and Wales at Tokyo Stadium on 1 November. It will be his 90th test match as a referee and his 21st at Rugby World Cup.

He will be joined by Jaco Peyper (South Africa) and Pascal Gaüzère (France) as assistant referees and Marius Jonker (South Africa) as TMO.

Click here to view appointments >>

The appointments were made after a comprehensive review of the weekend’s semi-finals by the World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee comprising Chairman Anthony Buchanan (council member), Joel Jutge (EPCR), Lyndon Bray (SANZAAR), Nick Mallett (former international coach) and Alain Rolland (World Rugby).

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “This has been one of the great Rugby World Cups, perhaps the greatest and there is significant excitement ahead of what promises to be an exceptional final between two former champions – England and South Africa.

“Our match officials have played their full role in this special tournament and I would like to congratulate Jérôme and the team on their appointments, which are thoroughly deserved. I would like to wish them all the best for what promises to be a very exciting finale to Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Previous Rugby World Cup final referees:

1987 – Kerry Fitzgerald (AUS)
1991 – Derek Bevan (WAL)
1995 – Ed Morrison (ENG)
1999 – Andre Watson (RSA)
2003 – Andre Watson (RSA)
2007 – Alain Rolland (IRE)
2011 – Craig Joubert (RSA)
2015 – Nigel Owens (WAL)

AFT Features, AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Asia’s first Rugby World Cup will leave an important and lasting legacy for tens of thousands of children in the region

  • 25,000 children and youth to benefit from their involvement in rugby for development programme ChildFund Pass It Back
  • More than 1.8 million tickets sold, with 50 per cent increase in opt-in ticket donations in a powerful show of support
  • Over £2 million pledged to ChildFund by global rugby community, including worldwide fans, RWC worldwide partners and merchandise operator
  • Most impactful Impact Beyond programme in Rugby World Cup history
The first ever Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia will leave a lasting legacy for tens of thousands of children from developing communities in the region, as part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond programme.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the global rugby family, the award-winning rugby for development programme ChildFund Pass It Back will now be expanded to six countries in Asia, giving more than 25,000 children the chance to play, learn and grow through their involvement in rugby.

In addition, donated funds will support emergency relief activities in Japan, with ChildFund and its partners operating in accordance with government authorities to provide assistance to communities recently impacted by the devastation caused by Typhoon Hagibis.

World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 has proven to be a very special tournament in every way.

“It has demonstrated the best of rugby and Japan, characterised by family, community and solidarity off the field, and compelling, world-class sport on the field, engaging new fans in record numbers.

There has been a 50% increase in opt-in donation to ChildFund

“With more than 1.8 million tickets purchased, we have seen a 50 per cent increase in opt-in donations to ChildFund, surpassing any tournament in history.

“Coupled with the support of our worldwide partners, more than £2 million has been pledged to a programme that will support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Asia.”

Japan 2019 has already been a breakthrough event with record-breaking levels of game attendance, broadcast audience numbers, and fan engagement across social and digital media.

The pool stage and quarter-finals showcased the best of Japan and the best of rugby on and off the field, with some unexpected results and outstanding performances set to generate many edge-of-the-seat moments for fans watching the upcoming semi-finals and finals.

ChildFund CEO Nigel Spence said: “It has been an incredible privilege to be a part of this global sporting event, and we are humbled by the extraordinary support shown by the global rugby community.

ChildFund aims to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Asia

“The Rugby World Cup may soon be coming to an end, but ChildFund’s work to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Asia will continue, boosted by the support from the rugby family.

“Not only will these young people have the opportunity to play the game we all know and love, but they will learn valuable life skills, drive positive social change, and have the potential to break the cycle of disadvantage in their communities.”

In the coming years, ChildFund will continue to partner with Asia Rugby and World Rugby to bring ChildFund Pass It Back to children and young people across Asia.

Ross Mitchell, Asia Rugby’s General Manager, said: “We are excited to be continuing our work with ChildFund and building a new generation of rugby players in the region.

“Together, we can ensure that more girls, children from developing communities, and young people living in rural and remote areas have the opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of sport.”

For more information on the ChildFund Pass it Back programme, visit www.childfundpassitback.org

AFTNews

Match officials announced for Rugby World Cup 2019 semi-finals

World Rugby has announced the match officials for the Rugby World Cup 2019 semi-finals at International Stadium Yokohama this weekend.

Nigel Owens (Wales) will take charge of England versus New Zealand on Saturday (17:00 JST) with Romain Poite and Pascal Gaüzère (both France) as assistant referees and Marius Jonker (South Africa) as TMO.

Jérôme Garcès (France) will referee Wales versus South Africa on Sunday (18:00 JST) with Wayne Barnes (England) and Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) as assistant referees and Ben Skeen (New Zealand) as TMO.

The selection is based on merit after a review of performances by World Rugby’s match officials selection committee.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “I would like to congratulate Nigel and Jérôme, the assistant referees and TMOs on their selection for the semi-finals.

“These are the best of the best, supported by a superb team, and we now look forward to compelling semi-finals at International Stadium Yokohama over the weekend.”

Meanwhile, World Rugby can confirm that the match officials selection committee did not consider Jaco Peyper for selection this weekend.

Peyper recognises that a picture of him with Wales fans, which appeared on social media after the Wales versus France quarter-final, was inappropriate and he has apologised.