Kick-off meeting for Rugby World Cup 2019

On Wednesday, July 15, Governor Masuzoe attended the kick-off meeting for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019.

The kick-off meeting, hosted by the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019 Organizing Committee, was the first since the host city selection on March 2 to bring together the leaders of cities where matches are to be held and relevant parties. Ahead of the meeting, the Rugby World Cup 2019 Host Cities Council was launched with the aim of facilitating coordination and cooperation between the host cities and making RWC 2019 a great success.

The governor, appointed the council chair, greeted those at the event on behalf of the council, saying, “Hosting the Rugby World Cup will further heighten interest in Japan, and provide a great opportunity to convey information on all of the host cities to the world. By seeing world-class ruggers engaged in fierce competition up-close, the citizens of Japan will be able to share in the excitement together. I am certain that the thrill and passion created by RWC 2019 will spur a major sports movement that will spread across all of Japan. In the ‘One for all, All for one’ spirit of rugby, I look forward to forming a scrum, working with everyone here, and giving my all to making the tournament a success!”