![\"Nielsen](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Singapore-Rugby-7s-2018-Player-and-Fans-Photo-Sessions-800x400.png\")
A new global study from Nielsen has recorded 877 million followers and 405 million fans of rugby union worldwide in 2019, up 11 per cent and 18 per cent on 2018 figures respectively
\nRelated News:\u00a0Over two million new rugby participants in Asia shows impact beyond Rugby World Cup 2019
\nA comprehensive report published by World Rugby today, exactly one year on from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final, based on results from two global surveys has highlighted the sport\u2019s strong growth in both established and emerging rugby nations during 2019.
\n
A comprehensive report published by World Rugby today, exactly one year on from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final, based on results from two global surveys has highlighted the sport\u2019s strong growth in both established and emerging rugby nations during 2019.
\nRelated News: #ReliveTheMoment Celebrating One-Year Anniversary of Rugby World Cup 2019
\nIn a game-changing year for the sport, there was a significant increase in the perceived attractiveness of the sport resulting in a sharp increase in interest, inspired by the rise of women in rugby and a trail-blazing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
\n![\"Webb](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/963673058-e1527821592238.jpg\")
Conducted by global measurement and data analytics industry leaders Nielsen, the studies collected and analysed data from both traditional and emerging rugby nations around the world and the key findings are released today in a white paper entitled \u201cGlobal Reach of Rugby 2019\u201d.
\nDOWNLOAD GLOBAL REACH OF RUGBY 2019 >>
\nGlobal Reach of Rugby 2019 \u2013 key findings
\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said:\u00a0\u201cThe results of this global Nielsen research demonstrate that 2019 was a fantastic year for our sport, exemplified by a historic and spectacular Rugby World Cup and growing interest around the globe, with significant strides forward in the women\u2019s game and amongst emerging nations.
\n\u201cWe have seen a phenomenal growth in interest, particularly in Japan and across Asia, and we are working closely together with our unions, partners and other stakeholders to build on that momentum to continue the strong development of our sport with progressive and sustainable change as we all adapt to the \u2018new normal\u2019 in global sport.
\n\u201cWhile acknowledging that the results presented in this document were compiled before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the positive insights of this research give us reason for great optimism as we focus on the collective drive to return to the international rugby field in a safe, secure and stronger environment.\u201d
\nSpencer Nolan, Nielsen Sports & Entertainment Managing Director for UK & Ireland said: \u201c2019 was certainly a successful year for rugby, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia. Following the tournament, across 85 countries, we saw the number of rugby fans (those either interested or very interested) increase by 18 per cent from 344 million in 2018 to 405 million in 2019.\u00a0 This is an incredible growth of over 60 million fans from one year to another!
\n\u201cWhen compared against other major global sports including football, basketball, tennis, motorsport and golf, rugby union was the top performer in 2019 in terms of fan growth.\u201d
\n
\n
The post New report highlights global rise in rugby interest in 2019 appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "A new global study from Nielsen has recorded 877 million followers and 405 million fans of rugby union worldwide in 2019, up 11 per cent and 18 per cent on 2018 figures respectively\nRelated News:\u00a0Over two million new rugby participants in Asia shows impact beyond Rugby World Cup 2019\nA comprehensive report published by World Rugby today, exactly one year on from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final, based on results from two global surveys has highlighted the sport\u2019s strong growth in both established and emerging rugby nations during 2019.\n\n\nA new global study from Nielsen has recorded 877 million followers and 405 million fans of rugby union worldwide in 2019, up 11 per cent and 18 per cent on 2018 figures respectively\nUnprecedented growth is driven by uplift in women\u2019s interest and participation in the sport along with surging enthusiasm in rugby\u2019s emerging nations\nRugby World Cup 2019, the first held in Asia, broke fan engagement records and boosted rugby\u2019s profile across the continent\nRugby is highly associated with a host of positive values such as teamwork, discipline and fair play\nPlayer safety perceptions improved, with 15 out of 17 markets surveyed agreeing that rugby is safer now than five years ago\n\nA comprehensive report published by World Rugby today, exactly one year on from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final, based on results from two global surveys has highlighted the sport\u2019s strong growth in both established and emerging rugby nations during 2019.\nRelated News: #ReliveTheMoment Celebrating One-Year Anniversary of Rugby World Cup 2019\nIn a game-changing year for the sport, there was a significant increase in the perceived attractiveness of the sport resulting in a sharp increase in interest, inspired by the rise of women in rugby and a trail-blazing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.\n\nConducted by global measurement and data analytics industry leaders Nielsen, the studies collected and analysed data from both traditional and emerging rugby nations around the world and the key findings are released today in a white paper entitled \u201cGlobal Reach of Rugby 2019\u201d.\nDOWNLOAD GLOBAL REACH OF RUGBY 2019 >>\nGlobal Reach of Rugby 2019 \u2013 key findings\n\nInterest in rugby is growing significantly across the world. There were 877 million rugby followers in 2019 which represents an increase of 11 per cent on 2018\nIn 2019, there were an estimated 405 million rugby fans, and 126 million avid fans, marking an 18 per cent and 17 per cent increase since 2018, respectively\nWomen\u2019s rugby is on the rise with interest in established markets up to 45 per cent and in emerging markets to 27 per cent, a 15 per cent and 22 per cent increase since 2018, respectively\nAcross 36 surveyed markets, there were over 140 million female rugby fans in 2019, which marks a 29 per cent increase since 2018\nThere has been a growing global interest in men\u2019s rugby, increasing to 63 per cent in established markets and 30 per cent in emerging markets, a 11 per cent and 15 per cent uplift compared to 2018, respectively.\nRugby is associated with a host of positive values and two thirds of followers in established markets agree that the sport sets a positive example\nFollowing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, rugby interest is soaring in the country, with the number of avid fans quadrupling, and the number of fans increasing by 138 per cent in 2019.\nThe inspirational impact of RWC 2019 spread across Asia. In India 14 per cent of people are now interested in rugby, a 75 per cent growth since 2018, and Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam featured in the top 20 for Rugby World Cup 2019 TV figures globally\nThe number of rugby fans across the surveyed emerging nations has almost doubled since 2013, up to 168 million, with Brazil and India showing the most impressive levels of growth\nWith the number of followers of the sport rising to 65 per cent, France was particularly engaged with rugby in 2019, as excitement builds in the country ahead of hosting Rugby World Cup 2023\n\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said:\u00a0\u201cThe results of this global Nielsen research demonstrate that 2019 was a fantastic year for our sport, exemplified by a historic and spectacular Rugby World Cup and growing interest around the globe, with significant strides forward in the women\u2019s game and amongst emerging nations.\n\u201cWe have seen a phenomenal growth in interest, particularly in Japan and across Asia, and we are working closely together with our unions, partners and other stakeholders to build on that momentum to continue the strong development of our sport with progressive and sustainable change as we all adapt to the \u2018new normal\u2019 in global sport.\n\u201cWhile acknowledging that the results presented in this document were compiled before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the positive insights of this research give us reason for great optimism as we focus on the collective drive to return to the international rugby field in a safe, secure and stronger environment.\u201d\nSpencer Nolan, Nielsen Sports & Entertainment Managing Director for UK & Ireland said: \u201c2019 was certainly a successful year for rugby, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia. Following the tournament, across 85 countries, we saw the number of rugby fans (those either interested or very interested) increase by 18 per cent from 344 million in 2018 to 405 million in 2019.\u00a0 This is an incredible growth of over 60 million fans from one year to another!\n\u201cWhen compared against other major global sports including football, basketball, tennis, motorsport and golf, rugby union was the top performer in 2019 in terms of fan growth.\u201d\n\n \nThe post New report highlights global rise in rugby interest in 2019 appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-11-02T23:54:37+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-11-02T23:54:37+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stadium.jpg", "tags": [ "RWC 2019", "Featured", "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=7428", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2020/09/17/relivethemoment-one-year-anniversary-of-rwc2019/", "title": "#ReliveTheMoment Celebrating One-Year Anniversary of Rugby World Cup 2019", "content_html": "The Japan Rugby Football Union (President: Shigetaka Mori, Minato-ku, Tokyo) has announced to launch a hashtag campaign which fans can engage by posting their fond memories of Rugby World Cup 2019![\"\u2122\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/2122.png\")
Japan (RWC 2019) on their social media accounts with \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d, as a celebration of one-year anniversary since the tournament was commenced.
Related Article: RWC 2019 delivers record economic, social and sporting outcomes for Japan
\nThe campaign is organized to create an opportunity where fans can share and enjoy each other\u2019s favourite RWC 2019 memories by posting their epic moment, emotional story or unforgettable experience they had during last year\u2019s tournament time with using the hashtag, \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d, on Twitter or Instagram.
\n![\"Rugby](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1014444232-e1539933075422.jpg\")
\u25a0Campaign Title:\u3000RWC 2019 One-Year Anniversary Hashtag Campaign \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d
\n\u25a0Campaign Period:\u3000Sunday, September 20, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020
\n\u25a0SNS Platforms:\u3000Twitter and Instagram
\n\u25a0How to Engage: \u00a0\u00a0 Step 1: Post your epic moment, emotional story or unforgettable experience during the tournament time with using the hashtag #ReliveTheMoment on Twitter or Instagram. You can post as many time s as you like during the campaign period.
\nStep 2: Follow JRFU\u2019s official Twitter account (Japanese account,\u00a0English account) and also its new\u00a0Instagram account, which will be available from September 20, 2020.
\n\u25a0Prize:\u3000From all those who posted, one person will win JRFU official Ren-G goods in the lottery. Ren-G, the JRFU official mascots, will visit the winner to deliver the prize.
\n*For those who live in Japan only.
\n*The delivery by Ren-G is scheduled in December.
\n\u25a0Note:\u3000During the campaign period, some of the messages from those who represent the tournament in 2019 will be introduced on the JRFU\u2019s official account on both Twitter and Instagram.
\n\n\nOver two million new rugby participants in Asia shows impact beyond Rugby World Cup 2019
\n
For more details visit:\u00a0 JEFU website\u00a0 Link\u00a0
\nThe post #ReliveTheMoment Celebrating One-Year Anniversary of Rugby World Cup 2019 appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "The Japan Rugby Football Union (President: Shigetaka Mori, Minato-ku, Tokyo) has announced to launch a hashtag campaign which fans can engage by posting their fond memories of Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan (RWC 2019) on their social media accounts with \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d, as a celebration of one-year anniversary since the tournament was commenced.\nRelated Article: RWC 2019 delivers record economic, social and sporting outcomes for Japan\nThe campaign is organized to create an opportunity where fans can share and enjoy each other\u2019s favourite RWC 2019 memories by posting their epic moment, emotional story or unforgettable experience they had during last year\u2019s tournament time with using the hashtag, \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d, on Twitter or Instagram.\n\n\u25a0Campaign Title:\u3000RWC 2019 One-Year Anniversary Hashtag Campaign \u201c#ReliveTheMoment\u201d\n\u25a0Campaign Period:\u3000Sunday, September 20, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020\n\u25a0SNS Platforms:\u3000Twitter and Instagram\n\u25a0How to Engage: \u00a0\u00a0 Step 1: Post your epic moment, emotional story or unforgettable experience during the tournament time with using the hashtag #ReliveTheMoment on Twitter or Instagram. You can post as many time s as you like during the campaign period.\nStep 2: Follow JRFU\u2019s official Twitter account (Japanese account,\u00a0English account) and also its new\u00a0Instagram account, which will be available from September 20, 2020.\n\u25a0Prize:\u3000From all those who posted, one person will win JRFU official Ren-G goods in the lottery. Ren-G, the JRFU official mascots, will visit the winner to deliver the prize.\n*For those who live in Japan only.\n*The delivery by Ren-G is scheduled in December.\n\u25a0Note:\u3000During the campaign period, some of the messages from those who represent the tournament in 2019 will be introduced on the JRFU\u2019s official account on both Twitter and Instagram.\nOver two million new rugby participants in Asia shows impact beyond Rugby World Cup 2019\n\n \nFor more details visit:\u00a0 JEFU website\u00a0 Link\u00a0\nThe post #ReliveTheMoment Celebrating One-Year Anniversary of Rugby World Cup 2019 appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-09-17T17:32:58+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-09-17T18:47:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/japan-head-2.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured", "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=7367", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2020/08/14/rugby-world-cup-host-selection-process/", "title": "Rugby World Cup host selection process (Men & Women)", "content_html": "Rugby World Cup host selection process, In a ground-breaking move, World Rugby will award hosting rights to its next two men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups within the same process.
\nIn a ground-breaking move, World Rugby will award hosting rights to its next two men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups within the same process.
\nThe international federation has today announced details of the timeline and phases that will determine the hosts of the 2025 and 2029 women\u2019s events and the 2027 and 2031 men\u2019s events.
\n![\"Trophy](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PhilippinesRWCTT_web.jpg\")
For the first time, the sport will have a 10 year strategic hosting roadmap maximising certainty for member unions, commercial partners, broadcasters and fans, providing the opportunity to develop an integrated legacy that delivers meaningful and sustainable strategic participation and fan growth.
\nThe announcement comes after it was confirmed that Japan 2019 was the most economically-impactful Rugby World Cup ever, generating \u00a34.3 billion in economic activity and delivering record broadcast and fan-engagement outcomes, placing Japan firmly on the major event hosting map.
\nRelated News:\u00a0Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
\nIt also underscores World Rugby\u2019s objective that its showcase men\u2019s and women\u2019s properties are a low-investment, high return-on-investment proposition for nations in the modern context of cost-effectiveness, meaningful legacy and sustainability hosting imperatives.
\n![\"Women's](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_0092-e1554171928437.jpg\")
Recognising the impact of COVID-19 a more compact timetable will operate than previous processes, while collaboration and partnership to develop bespoke bids that optimise strategic objectives for host nations and the global game will be at the heart of the three-phase model which will launch in February 2021 and culminate with the selection of the four hosts at World Rugby\u2019s annual meeting of Council in May 2022 as follows:
\nThe long-term strategic approach will maximise knowledge transfer, preparation time and commercial opportunities for the hosts and World Rugby, while delivering sporting and financial certainty for national unions. Importantly, the process also supports the key objectives of the 2017-25 Women in Rugby Plan, designed to accelerate the global development of women’s rugby.
\nRelated News: Arigato Japan – you have made the World Cup special \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f
\nTo assist unions with the process, World Rugby is developing a comprehensive report on the impact of hosting the showcase events, which will provide guidance on how to maximise participation, social, sustainability, commercial, economic, trade and diplomacy opportunities as well as the significant positive exposure opportunity delivered by rugby’s major events.
\nThe extensive host selection process will comprise aligned criteria, milestones and evaluation with further details being announced in due course.
\nThe announcement follows the World Rugby Council\u2019s approval in October 2019 of joint nation bids and awarding two tournaments at the same time to maximise strategic opportunities within a growing sport. It also recognises the key outcomes from the RWC 2023 host selection review process\u00a0announced in May 2018.
\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cThe global COVID-19 pandemic, while incredibly challenging, has provided the opportunity to press the reset button and examine how we can do things differently and better.
\n\u201cThis ground-breaking dual awarding process reflects our vision to further align the selection process of our men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups, providing longer-term certainty in terms of preparation and partnership with World Rugby for future hosts, maximising legacy, sustainability and engagement outcomes.
\n\u201cThis is also a process that recognises the need to adapt following the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a stronger partnership with interested nations in developing their hosting models. This process, combined with the announcement that Japan 2019 delivered a record \u00a34.3 billion total economic impact for the host nation, will help maximise hosting interest for our top men’s and women’s 15s tournaments.\u201d
\nThe last men’s Rugby World Cup in 2019 attracting the biggest-ever domestic broadcast audience for a rugby match of more than 54 million and a participation boost of over 750,000, while a recent Nielsen study confirmed it delivered a significant\u00a0boost to national pride.
\nAbove all, it was a special event that united a nation through rugby, friendship and celebration,\u00a0delivering record social, economic and sporting benefits. Rugby World Cup 2023 is being hosted by France and preparations are on track for a spectacular event for teams and fans.
\nThe last women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017 also smashed previous\u00a0attendance, broadcast and social media engagement records. The 2021 edition in New Zealand promises to raise the bar.
\nThe post Rugby World Cup host selection process (Men & Women) appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Rugby World Cup host selection process, In a ground-breaking move, World Rugby will award hosting rights to its next two men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups within the same process.\n\nFor the first time two men\u2019s and women\u2019s RWCs will be awarded at the same time\nIntegrated process enables a strategic roadmap for hosting of showcase 15s events\nCollaborative process aims to identify and develop partnerships that will optimise host nation and World Rugby delivery, financial and legacy objectives\nJoint nation bids will be permitted, as announced in October 2019\nApproach supports key objectives of World Rugby’s Women in Rugby Plan\nAnnouncement follows record economic impact outcomes of \u00a34.3 billion from RWC 2019\nRevised timetable announced in response to global COVID-19 pandemic\nStrong hosting interest anticipated\n\nIn a ground-breaking move, World Rugby will award hosting rights to its next two men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups within the same process.\nThe international federation has today announced details of the timeline and phases that will determine the hosts of the 2025 and 2029 women\u2019s events and the 2027 and 2031 men\u2019s events.\n\n\nFor the first time, the sport will have a 10 year strategic hosting roadmap maximising certainty for member unions, commercial partners, broadcasters and fans, providing the opportunity to develop an integrated legacy that delivers meaningful and sustainable strategic participation and fan growth.\nThe announcement comes after it was confirmed that Japan 2019 was the most economically-impactful Rugby World Cup ever, generating \u00a34.3 billion in economic activity and delivering record broadcast and fan-engagement outcomes, placing Japan firmly on the major event hosting map.\nRelated News:\u00a0Women’s World Cup Qualifiers\nIt also underscores World Rugby\u2019s objective that its showcase men\u2019s and women\u2019s properties are a low-investment, high return-on-investment proposition for nations in the modern context of cost-effectiveness, meaningful legacy and sustainability hosting imperatives.\n\nRecognising the impact of COVID-19 a more compact timetable will operate than previous processes, while collaboration and partnership to develop bespoke bids that optimise strategic objectives for host nations and the global game will be at the heart of the three-phase model which will launch in February 2021 and culminate with the selection of the four hosts at World Rugby\u2019s annual meeting of Council in May 2022 as follows:\n\nFebruary 2021 \u2013 Dialogue Phase:\u00a0An opportunity for open communication between World Rugby and unions, governments and other key stakeholders. This will allow potential hosts to understand the business and delivery model, how they will partner with World Rugby and ultimately build a compelling proposal.\nMay 2021 \u2013 Candidate Phase:\u00a0The formal process begins. Candidates will construct their proposals with World Rugby providing ongoing clarification and support to ensure the best-possible model. The phase culminates with candidates submitting Candidate files, hosting agreements and guarantees in January 2022.\nFebruary 2022 \u2013 Evaluation Phase:\u00a0Bids will be evaluated by relevant industry experts against the key criteria agreed by World Rugby Council. The evaluation report will be provided to Council for a vote in May 2022.\n\nThe long-term strategic approach will maximise knowledge transfer, preparation time and commercial opportunities for the hosts and World Rugby, while delivering sporting and financial certainty for national unions. Importantly, the process also supports the key objectives of the 2017-25 Women in Rugby Plan, designed to accelerate the global development of women’s rugby.\nRelated News: Arigato Japan – you have made the World Cup special \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\nTo assist unions with the process, World Rugby is developing a comprehensive report on the impact of hosting the showcase events, which will provide guidance on how to maximise participation, social, sustainability, commercial, economic, trade and diplomacy opportunities as well as the significant positive exposure opportunity delivered by rugby’s major events.\n\nhttps://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/RWCselectionprocess-BrettGosper.mp4\nThe extensive host selection process will comprise aligned criteria, milestones and evaluation with further details being announced in due course.\nThe announcement follows the World Rugby Council\u2019s approval in October 2019 of joint nation bids and awarding two tournaments at the same time to maximise strategic opportunities within a growing sport. It also recognises the key outcomes from the RWC 2023 host selection review process\u00a0announced in May 2018.\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cThe global COVID-19 pandemic, while incredibly challenging, has provided the opportunity to press the reset button and examine how we can do things differently and better.\n\u201cThis ground-breaking dual awarding process reflects our vision to further align the selection process of our men\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups, providing longer-term certainty in terms of preparation and partnership with World Rugby for future hosts, maximising legacy, sustainability and engagement outcomes.\n\u201cThis is also a process that recognises the need to adapt following the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a stronger partnership with interested nations in developing their hosting models. This process, combined with the announcement that Japan 2019 delivered a record \u00a34.3 billion total economic impact for the host nation, will help maximise hosting interest for our top men’s and women’s 15s tournaments.\u201d\nThe last men’s Rugby World Cup in 2019 attracting the biggest-ever domestic broadcast audience for a rugby match of more than 54 million and a participation boost of over 750,000, while a recent Nielsen study confirmed it delivered a significant\u00a0boost to national pride.\nAbove all, it was a special event that united a nation through rugby, friendship and celebration,\u00a0delivering record social, economic and sporting benefits. Rugby World Cup 2023 is being hosted by France and preparations are on track for a spectacular event for teams and fans.\nThe last women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017 also smashed previous\u00a0attendance, broadcast and social media engagement records. The 2021 edition in New Zealand promises to raise the bar.\nThe post Rugby World Cup host selection process (Men & Women) appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-08-14T03:51:19+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-08-14T03:51:19+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/RWC-Host.jpg", "tags": [ "Rugby World Cup", "Featured", "Rugby World Cup 2021", "Rugby World Cup 2019", "World Rugby" ], "attachments": [ { "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/RWCselectionprocess-BrettGosper.mp4", "mime_type": "video/mp4", "size_in_bytes": 20932254 } ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=7240", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2020/06/24/rwc-2019-delivers-record-economic-social-and-sporting-outcomes-for-japan/", "title": "RWC 2019 delivers record economic, social and sporting outcomes for Japan", "content_html": "Japan 2019 was the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever, with nearly \u00a34.3 billion generated in economic output according to a report published by EY today.
\nJapan 2019 was the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever, with nearly \u00a34.3 billion generated in economic output according to\u00a0The economic impact of Rugby World Cup 2019\u00a0report published by EY today.
\nRugby World Cup 2019 has been heralded as the best to date, delivering a unique experience for visiting fans, showcasing Japan\u2019s renowned culture and spirit of Omotenashi and significantly boosting national pride. Delivering unforgettable moments on and off the field, the tournament has been reinforced as one of the world’s most prestigious and exciting sports events.
\n\n\n
The 44-day global celebration of rugby, hosted across 12 cities the length and breadth of Japan, captured the imagination of a nation and fans around the world. It was the most competitive, best attended, most viewed, most socially engaged and most commercially successful of the nine men\u2019s tournaments to date and the biggest sporting event of 2019.
\nRugby World Cup 2019 was also the most economically successful event in Japanese sporting history, underscoring the nationwide approach to host Asia\u2019s first tournament.
\n![\"Rugby](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/201906-RWC-Emirates.jpg\")
The EY report, launched during a special webinar event in Tokyo today, outlines how Rugby World Cup 2019 generated \u00a34.3 billion in output and added \u00a32.3 billion to Japan\u2019s GDP. It attracted 242,000 international fans from 178 nations, who stayed an average of 17 days, visiting five cities on average. More than 60 per cent of fans were visiting the country for the first time, while their daily spend was 4.6 times higher than that spent by the average visitor to Japan in 2018.
\nAside from a record economic impact footprint that reached from Sapporo in the north to Kumamoto in the south, the tournament also created or sustained 46,000 jobs and 13,000 volunteer roles, many of whom will be supporting Tokyo 2020.
\nRelated Article: Japan Rugby Broadcast Market
\nThe host\u2019s ticketing strategy also proved successful with a total of 1.83 million tickets sold. The 99 per cent attendance versus capacity rate across the 45 matches is the most successful in Rugby World Cup history and among the most successful major sports events of all time. It was the biggest single-sport event ever held in Japan. In addition, a record 1.13 million fans attended one or more of the 16 official fanzones despite two typhoons during the event.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/532583765MM215_South_Africa-e1583796795988.jpg\")
Stadia packed with Japanese fans (more than 50 per cent attending a rugby match for the first time) combined with joyous overseas fans created a special atmosphere, The performance of Japan’s national team \u2013 the Brave Blossoms \u2013 in reaching the quarter-finals for the first time played a leading role in boosting national pride with 90 per cent of people in Japan believing that hosting captured the nation’s imagination, boosting pride, excitement and engagement.
\nA special, unforgettable, record-breaking tournament
\nA separate Nielsen Sports DNA report conducted immediately after the tournament also demonstrates the significant pride and happiness benefits of hosting to the Japanese people:
\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cThe outcomes of this comprehensive EY report reaffirm Japan 2019\u2019s status as one of the great Rugby World Cups on and off the field.
\n\u201cIt reflects Rugby World Cup\u2019s status as one of the best-loved and most prestigious major sports events to host, while highlighting the significant social and economic benefits that make the tournament such an attractive low-risk, high return on investment hosting proposition for governments and unions alike.\u201d
\nWith 769,000 children in Japan introduced to tag rugby in school because of the tournament and a strong performance by the national team, Japan Rugby Football Union President Shigetaka Mori says that Rugby World Cup 2019 will continue to be a catalyst for rugby participation, popularity and profile in Japan.
\n\u201cI would like to express my most sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the success of Rugby World Cup 2019\u201d, he said.
\n\u201cI am forever grateful that Rugby World Cup was held in Japan, resulting in the increasing popularity of the game and more people than ever becoming familiar with the beauty of our beloved sport. With enthusiastic cheers from all over Japan, the Japan national team made history by powering their way to the quarter-finals, the highest Rugby World Cup finish they have ever achieved.
\n\u201cWe are determined to make sure that the valuable legacy left by this immeasurably successful tournament will live on, and we will continue to strive to make rugby a well-loved national sport in our country. If the opportunity arose again, we would be eager to demonstrate our intention to bid for future Rugby World Cups and make the Japan national team the world\u2019s best team.\u201d
\nRugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said he was proud of how Japan embraced the tournament, delivered the spectacle and welcomed international visitors: \u201cRugby World Cup 2019 was an unforgettable event which will be fondly remembered by everyone for years to come.
\n\u201cThe excitement around the stadiums and official fanzones in each host city was incredible, and what we achieved was in no small part thanks to all 19 local governments of the 12 match venues that embodied the sense of responsibility and pride that was crucial to this tournament\u2019s success.
\n\u201cOnce again, I would like to extend my respect and gratitude to all those involved who contributed to the success of Rugby World Cup 2019, including the 13,000 volunteers whose efforts will never be forgotten.
\n\u201cWe hope that the hosting of this tournament will help to enrich sports culture in Japan and will lead to the further global development of rugby starting from the community level.\u201d
\nThe post RWC 2019 delivers record economic, social and sporting outcomes for Japan appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Japan 2019 was the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever, with nearly \u00a34.3 billion generated in economic output according to a report published by EY today.\n\nNational pride significantly boosted by successful tournament\n\u00a34.3 billion generated in economic output\n242,000 international visitors stayed an average of 17 days each in Japan, providing tourism and economic benefits to the host nation\n46,000 jobs created or sustained for the tournament\nStrong regional impact at the heart of nationwide benefits\nSignificant rugby and community sport’s infrastructure legacy, including Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium\nOutcomes reinforce Japan’s stature as a major commercial rugby market\n\nJapan 2019 was the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever, with nearly \u00a34.3 billion generated in economic output according to\u00a0The economic impact of Rugby World Cup 2019\u00a0report published by EY today.\nRugby World Cup 2019 has been heralded as the best to date, delivering a unique experience for visiting fans, showcasing Japan\u2019s renowned culture and spirit of Omotenashi and significantly boosting national pride. Delivering unforgettable moments on and off the field, the tournament has been reinforced as one of the world’s most prestigious and exciting sports events.\nThank you, Japan \n \nThe 44-day global celebration of rugby, hosted across 12 cities the length and breadth of Japan, captured the imagination of a nation and fans around the world. It was the most competitive, best attended, most viewed, most socially engaged and most commercially successful of the nine men\u2019s tournaments to date and the biggest sporting event of 2019.\nRugby World Cup 2019 was also the most economically successful event in Japanese sporting history, underscoring the nationwide approach to host Asia\u2019s first tournament.\n\nThe EY report, launched during a special webinar event in Tokyo today, outlines how Rugby World Cup 2019 generated \u00a34.3 billion in output and added \u00a32.3 billion to Japan\u2019s GDP. It attracted 242,000 international fans from 178 nations, who stayed an average of 17 days, visiting five cities on average. More than 60 per cent of fans were visiting the country for the first time, while their daily spend was 4.6 times higher than that spent by the average visitor to Japan in 2018.\nAside from a record economic impact footprint that reached from Sapporo in the north to Kumamoto in the south, the tournament also created or sustained 46,000 jobs and 13,000 volunteer roles, many of whom will be supporting Tokyo 2020.\nRelated Article: Japan Rugby Broadcast Market\nThe host\u2019s ticketing strategy also proved successful with a total of 1.83 million tickets sold. The 99 per cent attendance versus capacity rate across the 45 matches is the most successful in Rugby World Cup history and among the most successful major sports events of all time. It was the biggest single-sport event ever held in Japan. In addition, a record 1.13 million fans attended one or more of the 16 official fanzones despite two typhoons during the event.\n\nStadia packed with Japanese fans (more than 50 per cent attending a rugby match for the first time) combined with joyous overseas fans created a special atmosphere, The performance of Japan’s national team \u2013 the Brave Blossoms \u2013 in reaching the quarter-finals for the first time played a leading role in boosting national pride with 90 per cent of people in Japan believing that hosting captured the nation’s imagination, boosting pride, excitement and engagement.\nA special, unforgettable, record-breaking tournament\n\nAsia and Japan’s first Rugby World Cup\nUnprecedented 44-day global shop window for Japan and rugby\nRecord nationwide economic impact beyond Tokyo\n242,000 international visitors staying average of 17 days v 14 days for RWC 2015\n60 per cent of fans visiting Japan for the first time\n90 per cent of fans said they would return to Japan\n80 per cent of fans said they had an exceptional experience\n\u00a34.3 billion total economic impact/\u00a32.3 billion GDP increase\n\u00a32.3 billion spent in Japan by international visitors\n\u00a3286 average spend per international visitor per night, almost double England 2015 (\u00a34,574 total average v \u00a32,400)\nRWC 2019 visiting fans spent 4.6 times more than the average visitor to Japan in 2018\n46,340 jobs created or supported for the tournament\nRWC 2019 visitors stayed 17 days, compared to 14 days average at RWC 2015\n\u00a32 million pledged for the Childfund Pass It Back programme, a partnership between Childfund, World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the JRFU\n2.25 million people introduced to rugby in Asia via the Impact Beyond programme (769,000 children involved in tag rugby in elementary schools in Japan)\nSignificant infrastructure legacy for rugby and community sport, including the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium\n\nDownload the report here >>\nA separate Nielsen Sports DNA report conducted immediately after the tournament also demonstrates the significant pride and happiness benefits of hosting to the Japanese people:\n\n78 per cent of the general public thought that Rugby World Cup hosting in a so-called \u201cnon-traditional\u201d rugby market was positive for the future of the sport\n46 per cent of the general public thought Rugby World Cup was the most exciting sporting event of 2019 (70 per cent in Japan), compared to 25 per cent who disagreed, demonstrating the value of hosting to international marketing and national pride\nThe level of Rugby World Cup interest almost doubled from 26 per cent in 2018 to 44 per cent in 2019, representing more than 50 million people\nNine out of 10 people in Japan believed that Rugby World Cup hosting captured the imagination, boosting national pride, excitement and engagement\nNine out of 10 people in Japan got behind the national team on their run to the quarter-finals, reflecting a 33 per cent increase in \u2018niwaka fans\u2019 or new fans during the tournament\n83 per cent of people in Japan believe that hosting Rugby World Cup generated a positive legacy for rugby, delivering future major rugby event hosting opportunities for Japan\n50 per cent of those in Japan who followed Rugby World Cup had become interested in the sport in the last year, highlighting the significant legacy opportunity for host nations\n54 per cent of those in Japan who followed the tournament were doing so for the first time\n74 per cent of Japanese who were aware of Rugby World Cup believe that the tournament will encourage more children to play the sport\n\nRead the study here >>\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cThe outcomes of this comprehensive EY report reaffirm Japan 2019\u2019s status as one of the great Rugby World Cups on and off the field.\n\u201cIt reflects Rugby World Cup\u2019s status as one of the best-loved and most prestigious major sports events to host, while highlighting the significant social and economic benefits that make the tournament such an attractive low-risk, high return on investment hosting proposition for governments and unions alike.\u201d\nWith 769,000 children in Japan introduced to tag rugby in school because of the tournament and a strong performance by the national team, Japan Rugby Football Union President Shigetaka Mori says that Rugby World Cup 2019 will continue to be a catalyst for rugby participation, popularity and profile in Japan.\n\u201cI would like to express my most sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the success of Rugby World Cup 2019\u201d, he said.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am forever grateful that Rugby World Cup was held in Japan, resulting in the increasing popularity of the game and more people than ever becoming familiar with the beauty of our beloved sport. With enthusiastic cheers from all over Japan, the Japan national team made history by powering their way to the quarter-finals, the highest Rugby World Cup finish they have ever achieved.\n\u201cWe are determined to make sure that the valuable legacy left by this immeasurably successful tournament will live on, and we will continue to strive to make rugby a well-loved national sport in our country. If the opportunity arose again, we would be eager to demonstrate our intention to bid for future Rugby World Cups and make the Japan national team the world\u2019s best team.\u201d\nRugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said he was proud of how Japan embraced the tournament, delivered the spectacle and welcomed international visitors: \u201cRugby World Cup 2019 was an unforgettable event which will be fondly remembered by everyone for years to come.\n\u201cThe excitement around the stadiums and official fanzones in each host city was incredible, and what we achieved was in no small part thanks to all 19 local governments of the 12 match venues that embodied the sense of responsibility and pride that was crucial to this tournament\u2019s success.\n\u201cOnce again, I would like to extend my respect and gratitude to all those involved who contributed to the success of Rugby World Cup 2019, including the 13,000 volunteers whose efforts will never be forgotten.\n\u201cWe hope that the hosting of this tournament will help to enrich sports culture in Japan and will lead to the further global development of rugby starting from the community level.\u201d\nThe post RWC 2019 delivers record economic, social and sporting outcomes for Japan appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-06-24T09:28:46+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-06-24T09:28:46+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby Live", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/asiarugbylive/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a3149b634adc410aeb19453b544ad82c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby Live", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/asiarugbylive/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a3149b634adc410aeb19453b544ad82c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/01-head-japan.jpg", "tags": [ "Rugby World Cup", "Featured", "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6973", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2020/04/11/game-changer-for-japan-and-asia/", "title": "Watch: the RWC 2019 game-changer for Japan and Asia", "content_html": "
The tournament\u2019s impact, boosted by the outstanding performance of Japan\u2019s \u2018Brave Blossoms\u2019, succeeded in creating a step-change in interest for rugby in Japan: according to a recent Nielsen survey [1], nine out of ten Japanese people got behind their team last autumn, 54% of them for the first time, and the host country recorded 1,170,000 new rugby participants since 2016 as part of World Rugby\u2019s Impact Beyond legacy programme.
The Brave Blossoms\u2019 stunning performance will be broadcast on the official Rugby World Cup\u00a0Facebook page\u00a0and World Rugby\u2019s\u00a0YouTube channel, at 13:00 BST and repeated at 19:00 BST on Saturday 11 April.
![\"Rugby](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Japan-V-Ireland-Head-300x150.jpg\")
As with previous Rugby World Cup classic matches shown freely on World Rugby channels, fans around the world will enjoy a truly immersive and engaging experience with expert commentary, live blogging and thoughts from some of those who were involved.
This game has changed rugby\u2019s landscape forever
The context of the “Yokohama miracle” hours after the biggest typhoon in 50 years had hit the country made Japan\u2019s victory an historic moment. Japan captain Michael Leitch reflected on the last pool game of Rugby World Cup 2019:
“Before the match at the team hotel the players already knew this game was about more than just us, that a lot of people suffered in the typhoon for this game to happen. We are grateful for the opportunity to inspire Japan and we showed that for 80 minutes.
“It\u2019s great for Japanese rugby and rugby in Asia. For us to qualify for the quarter-finals is shifting the goalposts.”
NEW RESEARCH LINKS JAPAN\u2019S RWC HOSTING WITH NATIONAL PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT BOOST >>
The game resonated throughout the continent, inspiring new audiences outside of rugby\u2019s traditional borders. As identified by Nielsen\u2019s latest global Sports DNA fan study, the number of rugby fans \u2013 those either interested or very interested in the sport \u2013 grew by 61 million from 344 million in May 2018 to 405 million in November 2019 following the Rugby World Cup.
Almost two-thirds of the growth came from Asia, with India and Vietnam joining Japan as the fastest growing markets. The number of female fans continues to grow at more than six times the rate of male fans globally.
Along with a boost in its rugby fanbase, the whole continent picked-up the oval ball in the years leading-up to the first-ever Asian Rugby World Cup. Thanks to the Impact Beyond programme run in partnership with the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), Asia Rugby and 24 unions, a total of 2.27 million new participants were introduced to the sport between 2016 and 2020, delivering a long lasting legacy for what was billed as a \u2018once in a lifetime\u2019 Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Almost six months to the day since this enthralling match, it is apt to reflect on what made it such a special Rugby World Cup classic.”
“First, the extraordinary recovery effort pulled off by the tournament organisers together with the Japanese authorities, JRFU, staff and volunteers to organise this fixture in Yokohama less than 24 hours after the devastating Typhoon Hagibis was exceptional. It really brought to life the values of our sport in a time of extreme adversity and I would like to praise once more the Japanese public for their outstanding response.”
“Secondly, the incredible impact the Brave Blossom\u2019s outstanding performances had in Japan and across Asia has exceeded all expectations. In reaching the last eight for the first time in their history, with a thrilling brand of attacking rugby, they inspired millions of people throughout the world\u2019s most populous and youthful continent.”
The win against Scotland was Japan\u2019s seventh in eight Rugby World Cup matches \u2013 a record only New Zealand has bettered. Japan had previously waited 24 years between their first and second wins in the tournament\u2019s history, meaning this victory which secured their place in the quarter-finals was a truly game-changing moment for Japanese rugby.
Other Rugby World Cup classic matches this weekend include:
The post Watch: the RWC 2019 game-changer for Japan and Asia appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Watch: the RWC 2019 game-changer for Japan and Asia. On Saturday rugby fans, will be able to relive the moment that Japan made history by securing a place in the quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup 2019 with a thrilling victory over Scotland, just hours after Typhoon Hagibis had brought devastation to the country.\n\nLink to Article;\u00a0 Japan v Scotland at Yokohama to go ahead as scheduled\u00a0 \u00a0\n\nThe game that went ahead as scheduled in Yokohama thanks to a monumental effort from hosts was watched by a record domestic rugby television audience of 54.8 million \u2013 more than the FIFA 2002 World Cup final.\n\nThe tournament\u2019s impact, boosted by the outstanding performance of Japan\u2019s \u2018Brave Blossoms\u2019, succeeded in creating a step-change in interest for rugby in Japan: according to a recent Nielsen survey [1], nine out of ten Japanese people got behind their team last autumn, 54% of them for the first time, and the host country recorded 1,170,000 new rugby participants since 2016 as part of World Rugby\u2019s Impact Beyond legacy programme.The Brave Blossoms\u2019 stunning performance will be broadcast on the official Rugby World Cup\u00a0Facebook page\u00a0and World Rugby\u2019s\u00a0YouTube channel, at 13:00 BST and repeated at 19:00 BST on Saturday 11 April.\nAs with previous Rugby World Cup classic matches shown freely on World Rugby channels, fans around the world will enjoy a truly immersive and engaging experience with expert commentary, live blogging and thoughts from some of those who were involved.This game has changed rugby\u2019s landscape foreverThe context of the “Yokohama miracle” hours after the biggest typhoon in 50 years had hit the country made Japan\u2019s victory an historic moment. Japan captain Michael Leitch reflected on the last pool game of Rugby World Cup 2019:“Before the match at the team hotel the players already knew this game was about more than just us, that a lot of people suffered in the typhoon for this game to happen. We are grateful for the opportunity to inspire Japan and we showed that for 80 minutes.“It\u2019s great for Japanese rugby and rugby in Asia. For us to qualify for the quarter-finals is shifting the goalposts.”NEW RESEARCH LINKS JAPAN\u2019S RWC HOSTING WITH NATIONAL PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT BOOST >>The game resonated throughout the continent, inspiring new audiences outside of rugby\u2019s traditional borders. As identified by Nielsen\u2019s latest global Sports DNA fan study, the number of rugby fans \u2013 those either interested or very interested in the sport \u2013 grew by 61 million from 344 million in May 2018 to 405 million in November 2019 following the Rugby World Cup.Almost two-thirds of the growth came from Asia, with India and Vietnam joining Japan as the fastest growing markets. The number of female fans continues to grow at more than six times the rate of male fans globally.Along with a boost in its rugby fanbase, the whole continent picked-up the oval ball in the years leading-up to the first-ever Asian Rugby World Cup. Thanks to the Impact Beyond programme run in partnership with the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), Asia Rugby and 24 unions, a total of 2.27 million new participants were introduced to the sport between 2016 and 2020, delivering a long lasting legacy for what was billed as a \u2018once in a lifetime\u2019 Rugby World Cup.World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Almost six months to the day since this enthralling match, it is apt to reflect on what made it such a special Rugby World Cup classic.”“First, the extraordinary recovery effort pulled off by the tournament organisers together with the Japanese authorities, JRFU, staff and volunteers to organise this fixture in Yokohama less than 24 hours after the devastating Typhoon Hagibis was exceptional. It really brought to life the values of our sport in a time of extreme adversity and I would like to praise once more the Japanese public for their outstanding response.”“Secondly, the incredible impact the Brave Blossom\u2019s outstanding performances had in Japan and across Asia has exceeded all expectations. In reaching the last eight for the first time in their history, with a thrilling brand of attacking rugby, they inspired millions of people throughout the world\u2019s most populous and youthful continent.”The win against Scotland was Japan\u2019s seventh in eight Rugby World Cup matches \u2013 a record only New Zealand has bettered. Japan had previously waited 24 years between their first and second wins in the tournament\u2019s history, meaning this victory which secured their place in the quarter-finals was a truly game-changing moment for Japanese rugby.Other Rugby World Cup classic matches this weekend include:\n\nSouth Africa v Australia\u00a0– RWC 1995 \u2013 Friday, 10 April at 19.00 BST\nArgentina v Fiji\u00a0– RWC 1987 \u2013 Sunday, 12 April at 16.00 BST\nEngland v Australia\u00a0– RWC 2010 \u2013 Monday, 13 April at 19.00 BST\n\nThe post Watch: the RWC 2019 game-changer for Japan and Asia appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-04-11T02:59:44+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-17T09:56:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby Live", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/asiarugbylive/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a3149b634adc410aeb19453b544ad82c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby Live", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/asiarugbylive/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a3149b634adc410aeb19453b544ad82c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Head-Jpan-Rugby-world-cup.jpg", "tags": [ "Japan", "RWC 2019 game-changer", "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6903", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2020/03/10/rugby-world-cup-2019-japan-rugbys-biggest-broadcast-market/", "title": "Japan cements new status as rugby\u2019s biggest broadcast market", "content_html": "Rugby World Cup 2019 sets new broadcast records and inspires new audiences
\nRugby World Cup 2019 in Japan was the most-watched rugby event ever with more than 857 million people around the world watching the action via World Rugby\u2019s network of rights-holding broadcast partners, an increase of 26 per cent from the previous tournament in England.
\nWith World Rugby producing the pictures for the first time, Asia\u2019s first Rugby World Cup saw cumulative live audience grow from 479 million in 2015 to 501 million in 2019 \u2013 a five per cent increase \u2013 despite the time difference to the traditionally dominant rugby broadcast markets of France and the UK.
\nReaffirming the tournament\u2019s game-changing legacy mantra, Japan 2019 audience growth was driven by the Asian market and in particular Japan, where the host’s performance captured hearts and minds in a way not seen since the FIFA World Cup in 2002.
\nSouth Africa\u2019s historic victory inspires record live final audience
\nSouth Africa\u2019s triumph over England was the most watched Rugby World Cup final ever with an average live audience of 44.9 million fans watching the Springboks prevail.
\nThat represented an 83 per cent increase on the live television audience for the final at Twickenham four years previously, while the total viewing figure was up by 63 per cent to 51.3 million.
\nInterest in the UK and South Africa was high, and a combined 16.7 million people across the two countries made the final a part of their Saturday morning routine \u2013 more than double the figures achieved in those markets in 2015.
\nRugby World Cup final the most-watched sports event of 2019 in the UK
\n![\"Rugby](\"https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rugby-world-cup-1050x600.jpg\")
The progress of South Africa\u2019s final opponents England helped deliver outstanding outcomes for UK rights holder ITV despite a challenging time-zone.
\nThe peak final audience of 12.8 million and a 79 per cent audience share, was the most-watched sports event of the year and the second-most watched TV programme of the year behind Gavin and Stacey.
\nJapan cements new status as rugby\u2019s biggest broadcast market
\nIt was perhaps fitting that at the end of a tournament that saw the hosts excel on and off the field, that Japan contributed just over half of all global viewing.
\nIn Japan, a total cumulative audience of 425 million tuned into RWC 2019, more than five times the Japanese viewership for England 2015.
\nThe most watched match on Japanese TV was the Brave Blossoms\u2019 unforgettable Pool A encounter with Scotland in Yokohama.
\n
Japan\u2019s quarter-final clinching victory, which went ahead just hours after Typhoon Hagibis had passed through the country, was watched by a domestic peak record rugby TV audience of 54.8 million \u2013 more than the FIFA 2002 World Cup final.
\nJapan also recorded the highest viewing figures for the Rugby World Cup final, as a live average of 17.2 million fans watched Siya Kolisi\u2019s side lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.
\nThose impressive figures helped to swell the global cumulative viewing figures for the tournament, which grew from 679 million four years ago to 851 million in 2019. That represented an increase of 26 per cent, or 172 million viewers.
\n\n
Viewers outside of Europe represented a highest-ever 71 per cent share of the total TV audience, nearly double the share of audience achieved at England 2015.
\nEmerging nations interest booms
\nWith Rugby World Cup a proven inspirer of new fans, 52 per cent of people who followed the tournament in emerging markets did so for the first time.
\nJapan was not the only market that experienced impressive growth during RWC 2019. Driven by a move to free-to-air broadcast, Germany became the seventh highest viewing territory globally with 10.82 million cumulative viewers tuning in.
\nThat put Germany ahead of Italy and Ireland in terms of cumulative viewers and contributed to a rise in the cumulative audience of more than 55 per cent across German-speaking European countries.
\nRWC 2019 also reached new audiences in south-east Asia, propelled by impressive growth in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam \u2013 which all placed in the top 20 TV markets globally \u2013 cumulative viewing figures and increased from a base of less than one million to 20.5 million.
\nAccess to Rugby World Cup driving global fan growth
\nAs identified by Nielsen\u2019s latest global Sports DNA fan study, the number of rugby fans \u2013 those either interested or very interested in the sport \u2013 grew by 61 million from 344 million in May 2018 to 405 million in November 2019 following Rugby World Cup.
\n
Almost two-thirds of the growth came from Asia, with India and Vietnam joining Japan as the highest growing markets. The number of female fans continues to grow at more than six times the rate of male fans globally.
\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “These exceptional broadcast figures reaffirm our belief that Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan will be remembered as one of the great, if not the greatest of all Rugby World Cups.
\n“It had everything \u2013 exceptional rugby on the field, a host nation team that exceeded all expectations, capturing hearts and minds, and the inspiring story of Siya Kolisi \u2013 all creating an incredible story that captured the imagination of people around the world in record numbers.
\n“Overall audience growth is just one part of the story. It is particularly pleasing for the future development of the sport that Rugby World Cup 2019 broadcast success was driven by younger people in emerging markets such as India, Germany and across Asia, while Japan is now a major broadcast market for rugby \u2013 generating a sustainable audience legacy for the sport.”
\nThe post Japan cements new status as rugby\u2019s biggest broadcast market appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Rugby World Cup 2019 sets new broadcast records and inspires new audiences\n\nMost-watched rugby event ever inspires a new audience for rugby\nMost-watched Rugby World Cup Final ever, despite challenging time-zone for participating nations\nJapan smashes domestic market broadcast record\nGermany and Asia lead emerging markets boom\nRWC final most watched sports event of the year in the UK\n\nRugby World Cup 2019 in Japan was the most-watched rugby event ever with more than 857 million people around the world watching the action via World Rugby\u2019s network of rights-holding broadcast partners, an increase of 26 per cent from the previous tournament in England.\nWith World Rugby producing the pictures for the first time, Asia\u2019s first Rugby World Cup saw cumulative live audience grow from 479 million in 2015 to 501 million in 2019 \u2013 a five per cent increase \u2013 despite the time difference to the traditionally dominant rugby broadcast markets of France and the UK.\nReaffirming the tournament\u2019s game-changing legacy mantra, Japan 2019 audience growth was driven by the Asian market and in particular Japan, where the host’s performance captured hearts and minds in a way not seen since the FIFA World Cup in 2002.\nSouth Africa\u2019s historic victory inspires record live final audience\nSouth Africa\u2019s triumph over England was the most watched Rugby World Cup final ever with an average live audience of 44.9 million fans watching the Springboks prevail.\nThat represented an 83 per cent increase on the live television audience for the final at Twickenham four years previously, while the total viewing figure was up by 63 per cent to 51.3 million.\nInterest in the UK and South Africa was high, and a combined 16.7 million people across the two countries made the final a part of their Saturday morning routine \u2013 more than double the figures achieved in those markets in 2015.\nRugby World Cup final the most-watched sports event of 2019 in the UK\n\nThe progress of South Africa\u2019s final opponents England helped deliver outstanding outcomes for UK rights holder ITV despite a challenging time-zone.\nThe peak final audience of 12.8 million and a 79 per cent audience share, was the most-watched sports event of the year and the second-most watched TV programme of the year behind Gavin and Stacey.\nJapan cements new status as rugby\u2019s biggest broadcast market\nIt was perhaps fitting that at the end of a tournament that saw the hosts excel on and off the field, that Japan contributed just over half of all global viewing.\nIn Japan, a total cumulative audience of 425 million tuned into RWC 2019, more than five times the Japanese viewership for England 2015.\nThe most watched match on Japanese TV was the Brave Blossoms\u2019 unforgettable Pool A encounter with Scotland in Yokohama.\n\nJapan\u2019s quarter-final clinching victory, which went ahead just hours after Typhoon Hagibis had passed through the country, was watched by a domestic peak record rugby TV audience of 54.8 million \u2013 more than the FIFA 2002 World Cup final.\nJapan also recorded the highest viewing figures for the Rugby World Cup final, as a live average of 17.2 million fans watched Siya Kolisi\u2019s side lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.\nThose impressive figures helped to swell the global cumulative viewing figures for the tournament, which grew from 679 million four years ago to 851 million in 2019. That represented an increase of 26 per cent, or 172 million viewers.\n \nViewers outside of Europe represented a highest-ever 71 per cent share of the total TV audience, nearly double the share of audience achieved at England 2015.\nEmerging nations interest booms\nWith Rugby World Cup a proven inspirer of new fans, 52 per cent of people who followed the tournament in emerging markets did so for the first time.\nJapan was not the only market that experienced impressive growth during RWC 2019. Driven by a move to free-to-air broadcast, Germany became the seventh highest viewing territory globally with 10.82 million cumulative viewers tuning in.\nThat put Germany ahead of Italy and Ireland in terms of cumulative viewers and contributed to a rise in the cumulative audience of more than 55 per cent across German-speaking European countries.\nRWC 2019 also reached new audiences in south-east Asia, propelled by impressive growth in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam \u2013 which all placed in the top 20 TV markets globally \u2013 cumulative viewing figures and increased from a base of less than one million to 20.5 million.\nAccess to Rugby World Cup driving global fan growth\nAs identified by Nielsen\u2019s latest global Sports DNA fan study, the number of rugby fans \u2013 those either interested or very interested in the sport \u2013 grew by 61 million from 344 million in May 2018 to 405 million in November 2019 following Rugby World Cup.\n\nAlmost two-thirds of the growth came from Asia, with India and Vietnam joining Japan as the highest growing markets. The number of female fans continues to grow at more than six times the rate of male fans globally.\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “These exceptional broadcast figures reaffirm our belief that Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan will be remembered as one of the great, if not the greatest of all Rugby World Cups.\n“It had everything \u2013 exceptional rugby on the field, a host nation team that exceeded all expectations, capturing hearts and minds, and the inspiring story of Siya Kolisi \u2013 all creating an incredible story that captured the imagination of people around the world in record numbers.\n“Overall audience growth is just one part of the story. It is particularly pleasing for the future development of the sport that Rugby World Cup 2019 broadcast success was driven by younger people in emerging markets such as India, Germany and across Asia, while Japan is now a major broadcast market for rugby \u2013 generating a sustainable audience legacy for the sport.”\nThe post Japan cements new status as rugby\u2019s biggest broadcast market appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2020-03-10T07:47:43+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-17T09:54:43+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Japan-V-Ireland-Head.jpg", "tags": [ "Japan", "Rugby World Cup 2019", "Trophy Tour", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6703", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2019/12/04/global-fan-interest-in-rugby-world-cup-grows/", "title": "Global Fan Interest in Rugby World Cup Grows", "content_html": "Despite initial fears over early broadcast times in the Northern hemisphere and criticism of the tournament being held in Japan, online search statistics gathered during the Rugby World Cup 2019 show that global fan interest in the ninth edition of the competition grew dramatically for the first time in over twelve years.
\nMassive Engagement Increases from Japan (86%), France (43%), South Africa (42%)
\nAccording to figures analysed by AccuraCast (www.accuracast.com), the UK\u2019s leading sports digital marketing agency, worldwide interest in this year\u2019s event rocketed by 33% to buck the downward trend of the past three tournaments where search levels had steadily declined 2.67% year on year.
\nGlobal searches for \u2018Rugby World Cup\u2019 declined by 5% from 2007 to 2011 when the event was held in New Zealand and again by a further 7% from 2011 to 2015 when England hosted the tournament. However, worldwide interest in Japan 2019 shot up by 33% during 2015 to the 2019 event finale.
\nPerhaps unsurprisingly, by far and away the greatest upsurge in interest came from Japan themselves (86%), the first Asian country to host the competition. This was also boosted as the Japan team courageously played their way into the last eight. The second biggest spike was from fellow quarter-finalists France (43%), followed by the eventual winners South Africa (42%) who ended England\u2019s title hopes with a convincing 32-12 victory in the final.
\nOf the other major nations competing Wales (31%) led the way followed by Ireland (24%), Australia (23%), New Zealand (22%), England (19%) and Scotland (19%).
\nFarhad Divecha, managing director of AccuraCast whose clients include UEFA, UFC, Lord’s Cricket Ground, ATP Tour and Tottenham Hotspur, commented;
\n\u201cRugby World Cup interest has increased significantly throughout the first few weeks of the tournament. Whilst it\u2019s great to see new interest from countries who aren\u2019t historically big in rugby, it\u2019s important to understand that the surge in digital engagement largely stems from renewed interest within countries who have typically followed the sport. England’s fantastic performance along with the worldwide increase in engagement presents some strong future opportunities right now for brands in the rugby marketplace. Furthermore, to anticipate\u00a0the interest to rise\u00a0again in the months surrounding the France 2023 tournament would be a justified\u00a0prediction.\u201d
\nOn a wider basis, this year\u2019s Rugby World Cup was a record-breaking one from a digital perspective. World Rugby, the world governing body for the sport of rugby union and organisers of the World Cup outlined a plan to reach new audiences on social media, primarily through\u00a0TikTok which ended the tournament with over 185,000 followers. The #RugbyFever hashtag challenge, also initiated by World Rugby was used over 25 million times in the first seven days.
\nMeanwhile, the Japan 2019 tournament finished with a gigantic 1.7 billion digital video views, more than four times as many as last time around.
\nThe post Global Fan Interest in Rugby World Cup Grows appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Despite initial fears over early broadcast times in the Northern hemisphere and criticism of the tournament being held in Japan, online search statistics gathered during the Rugby World Cup 2019 show that global fan interest in the ninth edition of the competition grew dramatically for the first time in over twelve years.\nMassive Engagement Increases from Japan (86%), France (43%), South Africa (42%)\nAccording to figures analysed by AccuraCast (www.accuracast.com), the UK\u2019s leading sports digital marketing agency, worldwide interest in this year\u2019s event rocketed by 33% to buck the downward trend of the past three tournaments where search levels had steadily declined 2.67% year on year.\nGlobal searches for \u2018Rugby World Cup\u2019 declined by 5% from 2007 to 2011 when the event was held in New Zealand and again by a further 7% from 2011 to 2015 when England hosted the tournament. However, worldwide interest in Japan 2019 shot up by 33% during 2015 to the 2019 event finale.\nPerhaps unsurprisingly, by far and away the greatest upsurge in interest came from Japan themselves (86%), the first Asian country to host the competition. This was also boosted as the Japan team courageously played their way into the last eight. The second biggest spike was from fellow quarter-finalists France (43%), followed by the eventual winners South Africa (42%) who ended England\u2019s title hopes with a convincing 32-12 victory in the final.\nOf the other major nations competing Wales (31%) led the way followed by Ireland (24%), Australia (23%), New Zealand (22%), England (19%) and Scotland (19%).\nFarhad Divecha, managing director of AccuraCast whose clients include UEFA, UFC, Lord’s Cricket Ground, ATP Tour and Tottenham Hotspur, commented;\n\u201cRugby World Cup interest has increased significantly throughout the first few weeks of the tournament. Whilst it\u2019s great to see new interest from countries who aren\u2019t historically big in rugby, it\u2019s important to understand that the surge in digital engagement largely stems from renewed interest within countries who have typically followed the sport. England’s fantastic performance along with the worldwide increase in engagement presents some strong future opportunities right now for brands in the rugby marketplace. Furthermore, to anticipate\u00a0the interest to rise\u00a0again in the months surrounding the France 2023 tournament would be a justified\u00a0prediction.\u201d\nOn a wider basis, this year\u2019s Rugby World Cup was a record-breaking one from a digital perspective. World Rugby, the world governing body for the sport of rugby union and organisers of the World Cup outlined a plan to reach new audiences on social media, primarily through\u00a0TikTok which ended the tournament with over 185,000 followers. The #RugbyFever hashtag challenge, also initiated by World Rugby was used over 25 million times in the first seven days.\nMeanwhile, the Japan 2019 tournament finished with a gigantic 1.7 billion digital video views, more than four times as many as last time around.\nThe post Global Fan Interest in Rugby World Cup Grows appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2019-12-04T12:06:48+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-17T09:47:22+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Head-fans.jpg", "tags": [ "Rugby World Cup 2019", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6589", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2019/10/30/rugby-world-cup-2019-finals-medals/", "title": "Rugby World Cup 2019 finals medals capture the spirit of Japan", "content_html": "Rugby World Cup 2019 finals medals capture the spirit of Japan, following an incredible five weeks of Rugby World Cup action, and with the rugby world counting down to the final weekend of Rugby World Cup 2019, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee have revealed the designs for the gold, silver and bronze medals for this weekend\u2019s bronze final and final.
\nDesigned by famed Japanese master craftsman and national living treasure, Minori Yoshita, the medals encapsulate Japan\u2019s seamless blend of profound respect for tradition, coupled with its deep spirit of cutting-edge, technical innovation.
\nRugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said: \u201cThese stunning medals capture the most iconic symbols of Japan – our beloved cherry blossoms, the ubiquitous torii gate and the rising sun atop Mount Fuji – and combine them with the Webb Ellis Cup and the Rugby World Cup 2019 logo. They signify the bonds of friendship and respect that bind the world of rugby.\u201d
\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cPlaying in a Rugby World Cup final is the absolute pinnacle for any elite rugby player. These remarkably beautiful medals are sure to be cherished for years to come. Long into the future, they will help transport these players back to Japan and back to their treasured memories of this weekend when they, their teams and fans from across Japan and throughout the world write another memorable chapter in the glorious history of Rugby World Cup.\u201d
\nFinals Medals
\nThe face of the medals features a silhouette of the Webb Ellis Cup placed upon the Rugby World Cup 2019 \u2018unity graphic\u2019 comprising patterns drawn from ancient Japanese By\u014dbu decorative screens brought together in a circle encapsulating a stylised image of Japan\u2019s sacred Mount Fuji. The image symbolises a theme so often encountered in all aspects of life in Japan, the seamless connection of the ancient with the modern.
\nThe purple medal ribbon which symbolises respect passes through a symbolic torii gate. Seen throughout Japan at the entrance to Shinto shrines, the torii gate symbolises the transition from the mundane to the sacred, a fitting metaphor for the achievements this medal recognises.
\nThe rear of the medal is adorned by Japan\u2019s beloved sakura, the ubiquitous cherry blossom held so dear by all Japan and which features so deeply in the Japanese psyche. The sakura motif frames the unmissable Rugby World Cup 2019 logo that symbolises the coming together of Japan as it welcomes the global rugby community, with the Rising Sun and Mount Fuji seamlessly blended into World Rugby\u2019s iconic logo.
\nThe medal ribbon is made from rare Kumihimo Japanese silk, a material treasured for centuries for both its famed softness and incredible durability. Kumihimo silk was a prized material in the wardrobes of high nobles and in the armour of Japan\u2019s highest ranked samurai. This silk is specially sourced from small, boutique silk growers in Kumamoto, Saitama and Iwate, all prefectures that played proud host to Rugby World Cup 2019 matches. With less than 0.38 per cent of silk used in Japan domestically grown, of which the highest grade Kumihimo silk makes up a small component, this silk is truly rare and highly valued among Japanese.
\nMinori Yoshita
\nBorn in 1932, Minori Yoshita is the master of the world famous Kinzan Gama. An expert proponent of the Y\u016bri-kinsai technique, Yoshita was recognised as a National Living Treasure of Japan in 2001. Developed in the historical city of Kanazawa in the 1960s, Y\u016bri-kinsai is a highly specialised gold leaf-application technique used in\u00a0Japanese pottery and porcelain. This technique is the inspiration of the sakura motifs on all Rugby World Cup 2019 medals, which were created under the direction of Minori Yoshita.
\nThe post Rugby World Cup 2019 finals medals capture the spirit of Japan appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Rugby World Cup 2019 finals medals capture the spirit of Japan, following an incredible five weeks of Rugby World Cup action, and with the rugby world counting down to the final weekend of Rugby World Cup 2019, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee have revealed the designs for the gold, silver and bronze medals for this weekend\u2019s bronze final and final.\nDesigned by famed Japanese master craftsman and national living treasure, Minori Yoshita, the medals encapsulate Japan\u2019s seamless blend of profound respect for tradition, coupled with its deep spirit of cutting-edge, technical innovation.\nRugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said: \u201cThese stunning medals capture the most iconic symbols of Japan – our beloved cherry blossoms, the ubiquitous torii gate and the rising sun atop Mount Fuji – and combine them with the Webb Ellis Cup and the Rugby World Cup 2019 logo. They signify the bonds of friendship and respect that bind the world of rugby.\u201d\nWorld Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: \u201cPlaying in a Rugby World Cup final is the absolute pinnacle for any elite rugby player. These remarkably beautiful medals are sure to be cherished for years to come. Long into the future, they will help transport these players back to Japan and back to their treasured memories of this weekend when they, their teams and fans from across Japan and throughout the world write another memorable chapter in the glorious history of Rugby World Cup.\u201d\nFinals Medals\nThe face of the medals features a silhouette of the Webb Ellis Cup placed upon the Rugby World Cup 2019 \u2018unity graphic\u2019 comprising patterns drawn from ancient Japanese By\u014dbu decorative screens brought together in a circle encapsulating a stylised image of Japan\u2019s sacred Mount Fuji. The image symbolises a theme so often encountered in all aspects of life in Japan, the seamless connection of the ancient with the modern.\nThe purple medal ribbon which symbolises respect passes through a symbolic torii gate. Seen throughout Japan at the entrance to Shinto shrines, the torii gate symbolises the transition from the mundane to the sacred, a fitting metaphor for the achievements this medal recognises.\nThe rear of the medal is adorned by Japan\u2019s beloved sakura, the ubiquitous cherry blossom held so dear by all Japan and which features so deeply in the Japanese psyche. The sakura motif frames the unmissable Rugby World Cup 2019 logo that symbolises the coming together of Japan as it welcomes the global rugby community, with the Rising Sun and Mount Fuji seamlessly blended into World Rugby\u2019s iconic logo.\nThe medal ribbon is made from rare Kumihimo Japanese silk, a material treasured for centuries for both its famed softness and incredible durability. Kumihimo silk was a prized material in the wardrobes of high nobles and in the armour of Japan\u2019s highest ranked samurai. This silk is specially sourced from small, boutique silk growers in Kumamoto, Saitama and Iwate, all prefectures that played proud host to Rugby World Cup 2019 matches. With less than 0.38 per cent of silk used in Japan domestically grown, of which the highest grade Kumihimo silk makes up a small component, this silk is truly rare and highly valued among Japanese.\nMinori Yoshita\nBorn in 1932, Minori Yoshita is the master of the world famous Kinzan Gama. An expert proponent of the Y\u016bri-kinsai technique, Yoshita was recognised as a National Living Treasure of Japan in 2001. Developed in the historical city of Kanazawa in the 1960s, Y\u016bri-kinsai is a highly specialised gold leaf-application technique used in\u00a0Japanese pottery and porcelain. This technique is the inspiration of the sakura motifs on all Rugby World Cup 2019 medals, which were created under the direction of Minori Yoshita.\nThe post Rugby World Cup 2019 finals medals capture the spirit of Japan appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2019-10-30T13:23:09+08:00", "date_modified": "2019-11-18T06:13:09+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/D425621_2019082012826563_20190820030550.jpg", "tags": [ "Japan", "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6582", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2019/10/22/japan-you-have-made-the-world-cup-special/", "title": "Arigato Japan \u2013 you have made the World Cup special \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f", "content_html": "Week by glorious week, Japan’s players set new benchmarks for their country and their continent as they qualified from the pool phase as winners, moved into the top eight of the world rankings and competed in their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
\nThese goals were recited almost like a magic spell by the Japan players and coaching staff and they achieved exactly that, winning fans all over the world with their relentless and imaginative displays en route.
\nThey had risen to sixth in the world rankings before their only defeat at Asia’s first World Cup, at the hands of South Africa on Sunday, having started the tournament in 10th. Among their numerous achievements, they have also qualified for RWC 2023 in France.
\nJapan deserve nothing but respect, as Damian De Allende appears to acknowledge in congratulating skipper Michael Leitch, above right, after Sunday’s quarter-final.
\nJamie Joseph was the architect of the hosts’ success, spending three years at the helm of the Brave Blossoms and combining that role for a year with coaching Japan’s Super Rugby side the Sunwolves.
\nHe meticulously assembled the right coaching staff to focus on every aspect of the game, from fitness, tackles, scrums and attacking invention to mental preparation. He did enjoy one big advantage in his ambition to fulfil the motto of building “one team” as the squad spent 240 days in training camps this year alone.
\nThe 49-year-old made a brave decision in leaving Leitch, his inspirational captain, on the bench after the opening win against Russia, “to get his rugby right” by minimising his responsibility. It clearly worked as the skipper’s performance after coming on against Ireland was monumental in that tournament-defining victory.
\nSecond-row James Moore, flanker Pieter Labuschagne (bar an HIA check), centres Ryoto Nakamura and Timothy Lafaele and five-try winger Kotaro Matsushima played every minute of the campaign. Five of the 31-man squad were not even named on the bench, although their roles in Japan’s meticulous analysis of opponents were vital to their progress. Eventually that lack of squad depth might have cost them as they ran out of gas against South Africa
\nThe Japan Rugby Football Union are in talks over a contract extension with Joseph, a former All Black and Brave Blossom.
\n\n\n\n\u65e5\u672c\u306f\u3059\u3054\u3044 Japan you are amazing
\n
\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f Thank you #RWC2019 \u30e9\u30b0\u30d3\u30fc\u30ef\u30fc\u30eb\u30c9\u30ab\u30c3\u30d7 #AsiaRugby@JRFUmedia Thank you pic.twitter.com/rlDjF17T8k— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) October 19, 2019
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
\nExplosive winger Kenki Fukuoka – nicknamed Ferrari by his head coach – confirmed that his career in 15-man rugby for Japan is over after the South Africa game, as he is going to become a doctor. His four tries in the pool stage, especially the winning try against Ireland – his first in the World Cup – and two in their vital clash with Scotland will live long in the memories of fans around the globe.
MEMORABLE MOMENT OFF THE PITCH
\nGrowing awareness among the Japanese population of the Brave Blossoms was reflected by increased numbers every day at their team hotel, where daily press conferences took place. The players were happy to pose for photographs and seemed to be enjoying the sudden rise not just in their own popularity but also of rugby itself inside the country.
MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE PITCH
\nThe victory against Ireland in Shizuoka stunned the world – like the famous Brighton Miracle four years ago – but their win over Scotland, who beat Japan four years ago and finished above them in the pool alongside South Africa, rewrote rugby history as they became the first nation from Asia to qualify for the knockout stages. It came in special circumstance too, a day after Typhoon Hagibis struck, claiming scores of lives. All Japanese at the game sang their hearts out to Victory Road (to the tune of Take Me Home, Country Roads), including the words “there will eventually come a day they can smile”.
WHAT NEXT?
\nIn addition to Fukuoka, the “old battler” Luke Thompson, who is 38, will not be wearing the red-and-white jersey again. The futures of other veterans remain unclear, among them hooker Shota Horie, scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka and possibly 31-year-old Leitch, who all competed in their third World Cup.
QUOTES OF THE TOURNAMENT
\n“The Irish are a quality side and we have been preparing for this game a hell of a lot longer than the Irish have. The last year at least, if not the last three years. The Irish have been thinking about this game since Monday.” – Jamie Joseph after their famous win.
“Japanese rugby is in a good place now. I am going to really celebrate the achievements of this team. There\u2019s been a lot of work and it\u2019s been relentless.\u201d – Joseph after the South Africa defeat.
\n“I’ll leave to the next generations what to do and how to prepare, but we’ve managed to leave the team in a better state than when I came in. We’ve completed handing over the baton.” – Yu Tamura after the South Africa game
\nHOW DID THEY DO?
\nBeat Russia 30-10
\nBeat Ireland 19-12
\nBeat Samoa 38-19
\nBeat Scotland 28-21
\nLost to South Africa 26-3
JAPAN BY NUMBERS
\n29 – points in the 26-3 defeat by South Africa – the lowest points total to date in a match at RWC 2019.
\n8 – Japan’s world ranking – higher than Scotland, Italy and Argentina.
\n54.8m – the peak domestic television audience for Japan v Scotland (figures not yet available for the quarter-final).
\n13m – views of the Rugby World Cup Japanese twitter account on the day of the Scotland game – more than double the English-language version.
RNS mn/ns/bo/sw
\nThe post Arigato Japan – you have made the World Cup special \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Week by glorious week, Japan’s players set new benchmarks for their country and their continent as they qualified from the pool phase as winners, moved into the top eight of the world rankings and competed in their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final.\nThese goals were recited almost like a magic spell by the Japan players and coaching staff and they achieved exactly that, winning fans all over the world with their relentless and imaginative displays en route.\nThey had risen to sixth in the world rankings before their only defeat at Asia’s first World Cup, at the hands of South Africa on Sunday, having started the tournament in 10th. Among their numerous achievements, they have also qualified for RWC 2023 in France.\nJapan deserve nothing but respect, as Damian De Allende appears to acknowledge in congratulating skipper Michael Leitch, above right, after Sunday’s quarter-final.\nJamie Joseph was the architect of the hosts’ success, spending three years at the helm of the Brave Blossoms and combining that role for a year with coaching Japan’s Super Rugby side the Sunwolves.\nHe meticulously assembled the right coaching staff to focus on every aspect of the game, from fitness, tackles, scrums and attacking invention to mental preparation. He did enjoy one big advantage in his ambition to fulfil the motto of building “one team” as the squad spent 240 days in training camps this year alone.\nThe 49-year-old made a brave decision in leaving Leitch, his inspirational captain, on the bench after the opening win against Russia, “to get his rugby right” by minimising his responsibility. It clearly worked as the skipper’s performance after coming on against Ireland was monumental in that tournament-defining victory.\nSecond-row James Moore, flanker Pieter Labuschagne (bar an HIA check), centres Ryoto Nakamura and Timothy Lafaele and five-try winger Kotaro Matsushima played every minute of the campaign. Five of the 31-man squad were not even named on the bench, although their roles in Japan’s meticulous analysis of opponents were vital to their progress. Eventually that lack of squad depth might have cost them as they ran out of gas against South Africa\nThe Japan Rugby Football Union are in talks over a contract extension with Joseph, a former All Black and Brave Blossom.\n\n\u65e5\u672c\u306f\u3059\u3054\u3044 Japan you are amazing \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f Thank you #RWC2019 \u30e9\u30b0\u30d3\u30fc\u30ef\u30fc\u30eb\u30c9\u30ab\u30c3\u30d7 #AsiaRugby@JRFUmedia Thank you pic.twitter.com/rlDjF17T8k\n— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) October 19, 2019\n\nPLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT\nExplosive winger Kenki Fukuoka – nicknamed Ferrari by his head coach – confirmed that his career in 15-man rugby for Japan is over after the South Africa game, as he is going to become a doctor. His four tries in the pool stage, especially the winning try against Ireland – his first in the World Cup – and two in their vital clash with Scotland will live long in the memories of fans around the globe.\nMEMORABLE MOMENT OFF THE PITCH\nGrowing awareness among the Japanese population of the Brave Blossoms was reflected by increased numbers every day at their team hotel, where daily press conferences took place. The players were happy to pose for photographs and seemed to be enjoying the sudden rise not just in their own popularity but also of rugby itself inside the country.\nMEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE PITCH\nThe victory against Ireland in Shizuoka stunned the world – like the famous Brighton Miracle four years ago – but their win over Scotland, who beat Japan four years ago and finished above them in the pool alongside South Africa, rewrote rugby history as they became the first nation from Asia to qualify for the knockout stages. It came in special circumstance too, a day after Typhoon Hagibis struck, claiming scores of lives. All Japanese at the game sang their hearts out to Victory Road (to the tune of Take Me Home, Country Roads), including the words “there will eventually come a day they can smile”.\nWHAT NEXT?\nIn addition to Fukuoka, the “old battler” Luke Thompson, who is 38, will not be wearing the red-and-white jersey again. The futures of other veterans remain unclear, among them hooker Shota Horie, scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka and possibly 31-year-old Leitch, who all competed in their third World Cup.\nQUOTES OF THE TOURNAMENT\n“The Irish are a quality side and we have been preparing for this game a hell of a lot longer than the Irish have. The last year at least, if not the last three years. The Irish have been thinking about this game since Monday.” – Jamie Joseph after their famous win.\n“Japanese rugby is in a good place now. I am going to really celebrate the achievements of this team. There\u2019s been a lot of work and it\u2019s been relentless.\u201d – Joseph after the South Africa defeat.\n“I’ll leave to the next generations what to do and how to prepare, but we’ve managed to leave the team in a better state than when I came in. We’ve completed handing over the baton.” – Yu Tamura after the South Africa game\nHOW DID THEY DO?\nBeat Russia 30-10\nBeat Ireland 19-12\nBeat Samoa 38-19\nBeat Scotland 28-21\nLost to South Africa 26-3\nJAPAN BY NUMBERS\n29 – points in the 26-3 defeat by South Africa – the lowest points total to date in a match at RWC 2019.\n8 – Japan’s world ranking – higher than Scotland, Italy and Argentina.\n54.8m – the peak domestic television audience for Japan v Scotland (figures not yet available for the quarter-final).\n13m – views of the Rugby World Cup Japanese twitter account on the day of the Scotland game – more than double the English-language version.\nRNS mn/ns/bo/sw\nThe post Arigato Japan – you have made the World Cup special \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2019-10-22T05:44:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2019-11-18T06:14:54+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1182355567.jpg", "tags": [ "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=6578", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2019/10/21/springboks-brave-blossoms/", "title": "Springboks \u2018push the right buttons\u2019 to end Brave Blossoms great journey", "content_html": "Japan huffed and puffed, but were unable to blow the Springbok house down as South Africa ground their way into the semi-finals with a convincing victory at Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.
\nThe Boks withstood the sustained pressure exerted by the Brave Blossoms, who were roared on by chants of \u201cNippon! Nippon! Nippon!\u201d from their noisy supporters.
\nThe magic that Japan produced in a four-match unbeaten run in the pool stages was not evident this time around as the Boks secured a semi-final date with Wales on Sunday 27 October.
\nLeft-wing Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries, but it was the South Africa forwards who laid the platform for the victory.
\n\u201cWe were very nervous at half-time. Overall, we were nervous going into this match, with the home support, and the way they played against Ireland and Scotland,\u201d coach Rassie Erasmus said afterwards.
\n\u201cGoing into half-time and only being up a few points and leaving a few tries out there, there was definitely a lull and quietness in our change room. But having been together for 17 weeks, the guys knew which buttons to push and to get ourselves out of that lull. So, we were a bit proud of that.\u201d
\nThe Bok scrum set up the opening try by Mapimpi, pictured top, in the fourth minute.
\nSouth Africa loose-head prop Tendai Mtawarira was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on opposite number Keita Inagaki in the 10th minute.
\nBut South Africa defended courageously and repelled wave after wave of attacks from Japan, with wingers Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima unable to breakthrough.
\n\u201cAt half-time, the boys were a bit down,\u201d Japan coach Jamie Joseph said. \u201cThere were a few niggles in our group, but at the end of the day, I am just so proud of my team \u2013 the courage, the tenacity, the sheer determination… I really must take my hat off to the team.\u201dJapan reduced the deficit to 5-3 when fly-half Tamura slotted a penalty in the 20th minute, but while he attempted a few cross-kicks to his wings, it did not result in points.
\nThe best scoring chance wasted by the Springboks came when centre Lukhanyo Am was in space before half-time, but delayed too long before passing to Mapimpi then threw too low.
\nThe South Africans, though, displayed better composure in the second 40 minutes. They stuck to their gameplan of using the forwards to pound up the middle, and fly-half Handre Pollard kicked two penalties to stretch the lead to 14-3.
\nThen the Boks went into overdrive. A relentless maul from a lineout, which crept forward for about 45 metres, led to substitute hooker Malcolm Marx breaking away to put De Klerk over.
\nMapimpi finished things off with his second touchdown \u2013 his 13th in 12 tests \u2013 with 10 minutes to go to finally put the lights out on Japan\u2019s memorable World Cup party.
\n\u201cI am very proud to be the captain of this team. Three years ago, Jamie (Joseph) and I got together and made this team. We did everything to win, and today we did everything we could. But South Africa were wonderful,\u201d said Japan captain Michael Leitch.
\n\n
The post Springboks ‘push the right buttons’ to end Brave Blossoms great journey appeared first on Asia Rugby.
\n", "content_text": "Japan huffed and puffed, but were unable to blow the Springbok house down as South Africa ground their way into the semi-finals with a convincing victory at Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.\nThe Boks withstood the sustained pressure exerted by the Brave Blossoms, who were roared on by chants of \u201cNippon! Nippon! Nippon!\u201d from their noisy supporters.\nThe magic that Japan produced in a four-match unbeaten run in the pool stages was not evident this time around as the Boks secured a semi-final date with Wales on Sunday 27 October.\nLeft-wing Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries, but it was the South Africa forwards who laid the platform for the victory.\n\u201cWe were very nervous at half-time. Overall, we were nervous going into this match, with the home support, and the way they played against Ireland and Scotland,\u201d coach Rassie Erasmus said afterwards.\n\u201cGoing into half-time and only being up a few points and leaving a few tries out there, there was definitely a lull and quietness in our change room. But having been together for 17 weeks, the guys knew which buttons to push and to get ourselves out of that lull. So, we were a bit proud of that.\u201d\nThe Bok scrum set up the opening try by Mapimpi, pictured top, in the fourth minute.\nSouth Africa loose-head prop Tendai Mtawarira was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on opposite number Keita Inagaki in the 10th minute.\nBut South Africa defended courageously and repelled wave after wave of attacks from Japan, with wingers Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima unable to breakthrough.\n\u201cAt half-time, the boys were a bit down,\u201d Japan coach Jamie Joseph said. \u201cThere were a few niggles in our group, but at the end of the day, I am just so proud of my team \u2013 the courage, the tenacity, the sheer determination… I really must take my hat off to the team.\u201dJapan reduced the deficit to 5-3 when fly-half Tamura slotted a penalty in the 20th minute, but while he attempted a few cross-kicks to his wings, it did not result in points.\nThe best scoring chance wasted by the Springboks came when centre Lukhanyo Am was in space before half-time, but delayed too long before passing to Mapimpi then threw too low.\nThe South Africans, though, displayed better composure in the second 40 minutes. They stuck to their gameplan of using the forwards to pound up the middle, and fly-half Handre Pollard kicked two penalties to stretch the lead to 14-3.\nThen the Boks went into overdrive. A relentless maul from a lineout, which crept forward for about 45 metres, led to substitute hooker Malcolm Marx breaking away to put De Klerk over.\nMapimpi finished things off with his second touchdown \u2013 his 13th in 12 tests \u2013 with 10 minutes to go to finally put the lights out on Japan\u2019s memorable World Cup party.\n\u201cI am very proud to be the captain of this team. Three years ago, Jamie (Joseph) and I got together and made this team. We did everything to win, and today we did everything we could. But South Africa were wonderful,\u201d said Japan captain Michael Leitch.\n \nThe post Springboks ‘push the right buttons’ to end Brave Blossoms great journey appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2019-10-21T10:54:31+08:00", "date_modified": "2019-11-18T06:13:02+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1182231756.jpg", "tags": [ "Rugby World Cup 2019" ] } ] }