RUGBY
Rugby Teams in Japan 2019
September 20, 2019 - November 2, 2019 -
Am Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan nehmen 20 Teams teil, die alle Weltmeister werden wollen. Das 2019 Turnier wird zum ersten Mal in Asien ausgetragen, außerhalb der traditionellen Rugby Länder.
Host nation Japan will open the tournament against Russia in Tokyo on September 20. Reigning champions New Zealand begin their campaign with a heavyweight clash against South Africa, 2015 finalists Australia face Fiji, while France and Argentina kick off Pool C -- which also includes England -- with a highly anticipated contest.
New Zealand are aiming to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a record-extending fourth time after their triumph in 2015. That victory moved them ahead of their southern hemisphere rivals Australia and South Africa, who have each won the tournament twice.
A total of 48 matches will be played at 12 venues over six weeks, with the final taking place at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on November 2.
Twenty countries compete in Japan: Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Namibia, New Zealand, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, Uruguay, USA and Wales.