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.
New Zealand’s title defence will begin on 21 September when they take on Rugby World Cup 2007 winners South Africa in Yokohama (18:45). England, 2003 winners, open against Tonga in Sapporo on 22 September (19:15), while 1991 and 1999 champions Australia begin against Fiji in Sapporo on 21 September (13:45).
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.
Click here for the full Rugby World Cup 2019 match schedule.
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.