Event Information

This iconic edition of Rugby World Cup has 12 venues across Japan, from the mountainous city of Sapporo (popular for skiing) on the northern island of Hokkaido to the sub-tropical cities of Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Oita on the southern island of Kyushu. Stadium sizes range from 16,187 at Kamaishi Stadium to 72,327 at International Stadium Yokohama. The geographical spread of stadiums will ensure travellers who follow their teams through the pool matches have the opportunity to explore the diversity that Japan has to offer. Fans who travel for the knockout stages and finals will be based around Tokyo and neighbouring cities, with the opportunity to explore the highlights of Japan around their RWC 2019 experience. Japan has the fourth largest population of rugby union players on the planet and densely populated cities which will ensure sell-out crowds and a fantastic atmosphere.

City Highlights

OSAKA – Japan’s second largest city and economic powerhouse is a vibrant destination; home to Japan’s first purpose-built rugby stadium, completed in 1929.

OITA – Famous for volcanic mountain ranges and thermal hot springs, a fantastic traveller destination.

KOBE – Known for its signature marbled beef, 3rd century Shinto Shrines and stunning setting where mountains frame the magnificent harbour.

Teams and Pools

The worlds top 12 teams have now qualified for Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan and the official draw has been announced at Kyoto’s State Guest House. England Head Coach, Eddie Jones who lead Japan at the last World Cup said “it’s massive exciting, a unique country and unique culture.”

England, currently world number two have been drawn into Pool C, already dubbed the toughest Pool, playing France and Argentina as well as the USA.

Australia play in Pool D against traditional RWC foes Wales along with very much improved nations Fiji and Georgia. None of these teams can be under estimated. By February 2018, either Uruguay or Canada will join the pool.

Updates

USA have qualified as Americas 1 into Pool C
Fiji have qualified as Oceania 1 into Pool D
Tonga have qualified as Oceania 2 into Pool C

Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan Pool Draw

Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, Play-off Winner
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, Repecharge 1
Pool C: England, France, Argentina, USA, Tonga
Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Fiji, Uruguay

The tournament will comprise of 20 teams allocated into four pools of five teams.

The five remaining sides will be determined through the global qualification process, which concludes in November 2018.

Teams

The 12 qualified teams are listed below. Don’t forget to see the match schedule found above.

Venues

12 venues are confirmed across Japan. The variety is great for fans to see a part of Japan they may not have ventured to otherwise. Don’t forget to check our stadium and venue information brochure found above.

Fast Facts about Rugby World Cups to date

All Time Players Stats

Most points scored: Jonny Wilkinson (England) with 277
Most tries scored: Bryan Habana (South Africa) with 15
Most penalties scored: Jonny Wilkinson (England) with 58
Most conversions: Daniel Carter (New Zealand) with 58
Most clean breaks: David Campese (Australia) with 37
Most metres made: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) with 1,219
Most tackles made: Richie McCaw (New Zealand) with 225
Most lineouts stolen: Ian Jones (New Zealand) with 24

All Time Teams Stats

Most points scored: New Zealand with 2,302, followed by Australia with 1,645
Most tries scored: New Zealand with 311, followed by Australia with 209
Most successful country: New Zealand with 3 titles (1987, 2011, 2015), followed by Australia with 2 (1991/1999)

Source

Host Country: Japan

Japan is an archipelago consisting of 6,852 islands with four large main islands covering the area of Germany and Switzerland and is slightly smaller than the state of California, USA. Of the area, 66% is forest and with a population of approximately 127 million people, including 13 million in the greater Tokyo region, it’s clear Japan has wide swaths of untouched wilderness with dense cities concentrated from Osaka in the south to Sapporo in the north.

Japan is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites including ancient cities such as Kyoto and Kanazawa. From spectacular Alps in the north to Mt. Fuji near Tokyo and further south to the famous cities of Hiroshima and Osaka, there are incredible travel opportunities to be found. Typical must-see’s include Onsens (thermal springs), Ryokan’s (ancient inns), geishas, temples, nature parks, museums, galleries, dazzling nightlife, karaoke bars and all things weird and wonderful. Japan is a diverse and captivating destination and we very much look forward to welcoming you to Japan in 2019.

Weather

With matches to be played across the country, expect weather to be quite varied. Usually it’s warmer in the south and colder in the north, but sub-climates can be found at altitude and coastal across the country. Averages for key locations are listed below for September/October.

Average low – high:

Sapporo: 7 – 16°C
Tokyo: 15 – 22°C
Fukuoka: 15 – 23°C

We suggest: Pack for cold to mild weather. The summer humidity will have passed and the cool winter air will slowly be creeping in across the country. During September in Tokyo temperatures can still be in the high 20’s, so it’s a mixed bag. Overall we expect this weather to be fair, as Autumn is Japan’s best season. You will enjoy beautiful foliage of the changing trees and mountain ranges will be painted with vibrant colours.

October has approximately 10 rain days per year, so we don’t expect rain to disrupt much of your travels.

Available upgrades and extra services:

• Official Category B Ticket upgrades (we include Category C, we do not recommend Category D)
• Official Category A Ticket upgrades (only with Official Hospitality)
• Official Rugby World Cup Hospitality
• Flights to Japan
• Accommodation (including room upgrades, extra nights and other options)
• Transport (including car hire, private transfers, train tickets such as SUICA Cards, JR Pass for Shinkansen etc.)
• Travel insurance (15% discount with CHI)
• Sightseeing experiences (including tours, cruises, attractions and more)
• Fully customised packages for individuals, groups and companies (small to large groups and corporate groups)

Got a special request? Let us know what you need and we’ll try our best to make it happen.

General Terms

• Pricing is listed per person in AUD.
• Listed prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
• All payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation.
• Changes to bookings incur amendment fees per transaction plus any applicable fees from suppliers (e.g. airlines).
• Extra travel services may be subject to different payment requirements to be confirmed on quoting/booking.
• Full cancellation applies.
• There are no refunds or exchanges for unused services.
• We highly recommend travel insurance and can provide a 15% discount off retail prices with CHI. We can also assist choosing the right policy for you.
• Events Travel are AFTA, ATAS, ASTA, IAGTO and IATA accredited. Learn about Trust & Safety
• General booking terms and conditions apply in addition to terms listed
• Events Travel are an Official Travel Agent licensed by RWCL. Only Official Travel Agents are licensed to sell travel to this event and choosing an unofficial provider may put your travel plans at risk.

How to Book RWC 2019

To book any Rugby World Cup Package or Tour, please complete a booking request form found to the top right of this page or contact an Event Travel Expert by phone or email.

Travel Documents and Tickets

Travel documents (including event tickets, flight tickets, hotel vouchers and other applicable items) are sent at least two weeks prior to the event start date by email, courier or registered post. In special circumstances, tickets may be made available via an official ticket collection centre or hotel drop-off. Finalised information will be provided with your travel documents.