2019 Two Rugby World Cups held simultaneously in Japan

The Japan Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities (JPSA) and the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation held a press conference on January 25th at the Kishi Memorial Gymnasium in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, announcing the "Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge 2019" (Co-sponsored by: Japan Rugby Football Union, Rugby World Cup 2019 Organizing Committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government).

This tournament, the first of its kind, will bring together the world's top wheelchair rugby nations to Japan during the Rugby World Cup 2019 (September 20 to November 2, 2019), which determines the world's best rugby team. It is also the world's first simultaneous hosting of tournaments to determine the world champions in both sports.

The tournament will be held over five days from October 16 to 20 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya Ward. It will feature a total of 18 matches: 12 preliminary league matches and 6 knockout stage/placement matches.

Participating nations will be the top eight countries ranked at the Wheelchair Rugby World Championship held in Sydney, Australia, in August 2018. The tournament results will count toward the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation's world rankings, making these matches international competitions.

JPSA President Mitsunori Torihara stated, "We are grateful to the Rugby Association and the World Cup Organizing Committee for agreeing to the simultaneous hosting." He outlined the tournament's goals as "enhancing athletic performance," "expanding the base of para-sports fans," and "symbolizing the realization of an inclusive society." He added, "I believe the spirit of rugby players is one, regardless of disability. We ask for your support."

Organizing Committee Secretary General Akira Shimazu expressed his admiration for the Japanese team's impressive bronze medal performance at the Rio Paralympics, stating, "We welcome the simultaneous hosting. We hope both tournaments will combine to heighten rugby fever in Japan. We wish both teams the best of luck in achieving strong results."

Wheelchair rugby players Toru Ike and Daisuke Ikesaki of the Japanese national team, along with rugby player Yu Tamura of the Japanese national team, attended the venue.

Ike stated, "The Japanese national team's impressive run at the 2015 World Cup boosted rugby's popularity. It's an honor and a pleasure to have the events held simultaneously. With the world watching, I hope people will also turn their attention to wheelchair rugby." Ikesaki added, "I'm grateful to everyone involved. We also want to make our presence felt, just like rugby. As a tournament symbolizing an inclusive society, I think athletes from all countries will be delighted." Tamura remarked, "We inspire each other. We want to turn that into strength and deliver impactful games domestically and internationally, just as we did in 2015. It would also be wonderful if fans of each sport could connect." The three athletes expressed their determination for 2019 and 2020, concluding, "We sincerely hope everyone will come to both tournaments and experience the appeal of rugby."