Japan confirmed as 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts

Rugby chiefs today confirmed Japan will definitely host the next World Cup after receiving assurances the country can meet the £100million they guaranteed to World Rugby.

England have to hand over a cheque for £80m to the game’s governing body for being chosen as this year’s hosts — and Japan have been asked for even more to help fund the game worldwide.

South Africa were understood to be on standby in case Japan failed to meet the criteria for the 2019 Cup — the first to be staged in Asia.

Serious doubts were raised over Japan’s ability to stage the tournament when it was revealed that a new National Stadium would not be ready in time for the tournament. Now, the Tokyo Stadium will replace that venue and host the opening ceremony. The final will be staged at the Yokohama Stadium.

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “These are exciting, unprecedented times for Japan Rugby and this revised roadmap reinforces and reflects the shared vision and mission to deliver a Rugby World Cup that will be great for Japan, great for Asia and great for rugby.

“We look forward to working in full partnership with the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee and the Japan Rugby Football Union as we look ahead to what promises to be a spectacular and highly-successful event that will reach and inspire new audiences.

“We would like to thank our partners in Japan for their committed response to the stadium issue and all of the work they have undertaken.”