World Rugby seeks Japan assurances over 2019 World Cup
Thursday 27 August 2015 07:10, UK
World Rugby wants Japan to present a new proposal for its 2019 World Cup venues and provide assurances about the tournament's 'financial security' by the end of next month.
Their demands come after Tokyo's National Stadium was dropped as the centrepiece venue for the tournament in four years' time.
The arena was set to stage the opening match, the final and other key games but Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe put the project on hold last month because of rising costs.
World Rugby said it had set out a 'revised roadmap' for organisers to follow in delivering the tournament.
A statement read: "World Rugby is seeking formal reassurance regarding the following key hosting criteria by the end of September in order to undertake a thorough review and analysis of the information.
"A revised detailed host venue proposal that delivers exceptional team and fan experience, maximising opportunities for fans to be a part of rugby's showcase event.
"A revised tournament budget with appropriate financial security."
World Rugby added the loss of the National Stadium would have a "significant impact on the overall ticketing capacity and tournament budget".
They added: "These are critical to an event that is the lifeblood of the game, underpinning its growth worldwide and the financial support of 120 national rugby federations."
Japanese rugby has been under fire in recent weeks, with the World Cup setback adding to concerns about the country's ability to field a Super Rugby team in next year's competition.
Japan saw off a rival bid from Singapore to add a franchise to the expanded 18-team southern hemisphere tournament but has yet to provide a name for the team or find a coach.
The team has only signed a handful of players, according to local media reports, with the start of the 2016 season just months away.
