Typhoon Hagibis causes Rugby World Cup cancellations

World Rugby has confirmed two matches at the Rugby World Cup 2019 have been cancelled as a result of the impact of the impending Typhoon Hagibis which continues to track towards Japan.

Saturday’s Pool B match between New Zealand and Italy and the Pool C match between England and France have been cancelled by organisers on the grounds of safety and based on detailed information from weather experts that Hagibis is highly likely to cause considerable disruption in the Tokyo, Yokohama and City of Toyota areas.

Australia’s Pool D match against Georgia in Shizuoka on Friday, October 11 at 9.15pm is still scheduled to go ahead at the time of publication.

Saturday’s Ireland v Samoa encounter in Fukuoka at 9.45pm will also proceed at this stage.

A statement from World Rugby said: “The decision to cancel matches has not been taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of public, team, tournament personnel and volunteer safety. Whilst we have extensively explored all options, public and team safety are of our utmost priority as well as ensuring a consistent, fair and equitable outcome for all teams.”

Organisers will make a call on whether there is any impact to Sunday’s matches following a thorough assessment of the venues after the Typhoon has passed before a final decision is made on Sunday morning.

Pool A – Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa
Pool B – New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Namibia and Canada
Pool C – England, France, Argentina, USA and Georgia
Pool D – Australia, Wales, Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay