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PRESS RELEASE

World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee have announced the match schedule for Rugby World Cup 2019, which will be hosted in Japan between 20 September and 2 November.

Supporting the joint ambition of a tournament that is accessible for all of Japan, the 48 matches will be spread across 12 host cities the length and breadth of the nation, with each match venue hosting a minimum of two matches.

The blend of iconic venues and vibrant host cities will provide a diversity of unforgettable cultural experiences for travelling fans, while 80 per cent of the Japanese population will be within 30 minutes of a match.

Japan Rugby 2019 also announced their vision for the tournament as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity and with Japan preparing to host for the first time and excitement building, it is a compelling mantra.

The host nation will begin its campaign against Europe 1 in the tournament’s opening match at 19:45 at the Tokyo Stadium, venue for five pool matches, two quarter-finals and the bronze final.

With Japan’s biggest venues optimised, the iconic International Stadium in Yokohama will also be at the tournament’s heart with four pool matches, including New Zealand v South Africa, Ireland v Scotland, England v France and Japan v Scotland, while also hosting both semi-finals and the Rugby World Cup 2019 final on 2 November.

Oita will host two quarter-finals and three pool matches, while venues the length and breadth of the nation will showcase the world’s top teams to new audiences.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Today the tournament comes to life for the players and fans. The announcement of the match schedule and ticketing programme will generate excitement as we all look ahead to a tournament that will break new ground as the first in Asia.

“We are grateful to the cities and venues who have been at the heart of this process and will play such a central role in welcoming the world to Japan. We know that this will be a special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Japan to welcome the world to the whole of this great nation and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rugby fans from around the world to experience all Japan has to offer.”

Japan Rugby 2019 Chief Executive Akira Shimazu said: “I think that we have a great match schedule in place and with the fixtures and locations announced we can all start to picture the stadiums and cities across Japan come alive with excitement and passion. Fans in Japan and across the globe can now officially start planning their trips to Japan, deciding which city to visit to join the throngs of spectators at the venues. I am also looking forward to seeing more exchange taking place between the host cities and the countries of the participating teams.

“With two years left until the tournament, we will continue progressing preparations to provide fans with an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Furthermore, we hope to provide top athletes and fans visiting from around the world with an optimal environment so that we can welcome them at our best.”

Full press release (Rugby World Cup)

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The 2019 Host Cities and local authorities are: