Japan v Scotland to go ahead but one game cancelled

Adam Kyriacou
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The crucial Rugby World Cup pool showdown between Japan and Scotland has been given the green light to take place in Yokohama on Sunday.

Following a pitch inspection, after Typhoon Hagibis struck Japan overnight, the game has been cleared for action at International Stadium.

A statement from World Rugby read: “The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the host city. World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their significant efforts to enable the match to be played as scheduled following one of largest and most powerful typhoons to hit Japan in recent years.

“Fans attending Sunday night’s match are advised to check travel operator information before departing and plan to arrive early as it may take longer than usual to enter the stadium. Fans should also expect a significantly reduced level of spectator service in terms of catering and merchandise sales owing to limitations on venue staff availability as a result of the typhoon.”

The Pool C match between USA and Tonga at Hanazono (14:45 local time), and Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool D clash between Wales and Uruguay at Kumamoto (17:15 local time) will also go ahead as scheduled.

However, there was one game that fell victim of the weather as the Namibia v Canada pool fixture in Kamaishi was cancelled on safety grounds.

With Kamaishi situated in a highly mountainous area, including mountains directly behind the main stand of the stadium, there have been landslides and flooding in the vicinity of the stadium and along access roads to the venue following torrential rain throughout the night.

“The safety of all involved in Rugby World Cup 2019 is our primary consideration and fans are advised not to travel to Kamaishi or the venue, which will be closed. Ticket holders will be entitled to a full face-value refund,” read a statement.

World Rugby Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director Alan Gilpin said: “The safety of teams, fans, volunteers and workforce is our number one priority. Following strong direction from the Prefecture of Iwate and the City of Kamaishi, we were left with no option but to cancel the match on safety grounds.

“We have been liaising closely with the city and the venue over the past 24 hours and have informed the teams. In line with the direction of the local authorities, we are making the difficult, but right decision to cancel the match.

“Our hearts go out to the teams and also their fans, but also the people of Kamaishi, who have been incredible during what has been a special journey in recent years. Nobody will be more disappointed than them, but also nobody would have better empathy with the decision.”

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