After extensive evaluation, World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee have announced an update regarding the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on this weekend’s Rugby World Cup 2019 pool matches.
This includes the decision to cancel two matches on safety grounds.
Based on the latest detailed information from the tournament’s independent weather experts, Hagibis is predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is highly likely to cause considerable disruption in the Tokyo, Yokohama and City of Toyota areas throughout Saturday, including likely public transport shutdown or disruption.
As a result, World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee have taken the difficult decision to cancel matches in the affected areas on safety grounds. The impacted teams have been informed and are understanding.
For matches that do not go ahead as scheduled, two points will be awarded to each team in line with tournament rules.
It is an exceptional, complex and rapidly evolving situation and team and public safety is the number one priority. This has been central in all decision-making in partnership with the tournament’s weather information experts, host cities, venues and teams.
Every effort is being made to ensure Sunday’s matches will be played as scheduled. A thorough assessment of venues will take place after the typhoon has passed before a final decision is made on Sunday morning.
The Japan vs Scotland match is scheduled for Sunday and the outcome could decide who will face South Africa in the quarterfinal round.
African News Agency