Rugby

RWC 2019: Opening match and final dates revealed

Japan, one of the success stories from the 2015 competition, are hosting next edition

Japan Rugby 2019 tournament organisers and World Rugby have launched a new logo in London - ‘symbolising the transition from future to current host as the land of the rising sun prepares to welcome the world to Asia’s first Rugby World Cup’. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Tue Oct 27 2015 - 22:01

The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup will take place on September 20th and the final on November 2nd, it was announced on Tuesday.

This year's tournament concludes with Saturday's final between New Zealand and Australia, with Japan, one of the success stories from the 2015 competition, hosting the next edition.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said: "The Brave Blossoms, Japan's national team, have been one of the great stories from this year's tournament.

"With their combination of skill, speed, athleticism and determination, they have won many admirers and they have inspired a nation to follow our great sport. All that bodes well for the next edition of Rugby World Cup. "

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Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto, speaking as the Japan 2019 logo featuring a rising sun and Mount Fuji was unveiled, added: "We are very excited and proud to be the host union for RWC 2019 as the tournament is held in Asia for the very first time."

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