The 2019 Rugby World Cup was the ninth edition of the Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's rugby union teams. It was hosted in Japan from 20 September to 2 November across 12 venues all across the country. The opening match was played at Tokyo Stadium in Chōfu, Tokyo with the final match being held at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama. This was the first time that the tournament had taken place in Asia and outside the traditional Tier 1 rugby nations.
The tournament saw the first cancellation of matches at the Rugby World Cup with Typhoon Hagibis affecting three matches on the basis of safety grounds that the expected impact the typhoon would have. The final saw South Africa claiming their third title after beating England 32−12, making it their third title and becoming the second country to win three titles after New Zealand. South Africa also became the first team to win the title after having lost a match in the pool stage. New Zealand, who were the defending champions coming into the tournament, finished in third place with victory over Wales in the bronze final.
Bid
The International Rugby Board (IRB) requested that any member unions wishing to host the 2019 or 2015 Rugby World Cup should indicate their interest by 15 August 2008. This was purely to indicate interest; no details had to be provided at this stage. A record 10 unions indicated interest in hosting either the 2015 and/or the 2019 events. The 2019 tournament received interest from nine different nations.Russia initially announced plans to bid for both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, but withdrew both bids in February 2009 in favour of what proved to be a successful bid for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Australia withdrew from the bidding process on 6 May 2009.
The three potential hosts – Italy, Japan and South Africa – were announced on 8 May 2009. At a special meeting held in Dublin on 28 July 2009, the IRB confirmed that England would host the 2015 Rugby World Cup and that Japan would host the 2019 event with the approval from Rugby World Cup Ltd going in favour 16–10.
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