100 Days Before Rugby World Cup Kickoff Countdown Clock Unveiled, Trophy Tour Commences
The Rugby World Cup 2019 Organizing Committee held an event at the Marunouchi Building in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on June 12 to commemorate 100 days until the Japan tournament.
Opening the event, Chairman Fujio Mitarai of the Organizing Committee stated, "As we approach this historic first tournament in Asia, we will tighten our resolve for final preparations and aim to fill all 48 matches with packed crowds. With an expected 500,000 visitors to Japan, we hope they will experience not only the matches but also the great appeal of Japan. We ask for your continued unwavering support."
Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Tadashi Okamura stated, "As the host union, our mission has been to strengthen our national team while spreading the spirit of rugby across Asia. We fervently hope this tournament will create tangible and intangible legacies, further advancing rugby worldwide."
World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper, speaking both as a rugby fan and as CEO, said, "I can't wait for the opening as a rugby fan and as CEO. Japan will be a fantastic host. Let's make this the best World Cup ever."
A large countdown clock was unveiled on stage by over 30 tournament officials. The clock was modeled after a product by Tudor, the Swiss watch brand serving as the tournament's Official Timekeeper.
Organizing Committee Secretary General Akira Shimazu stated, "Preparations for the tournament are progressing smoothly. We hope teams from around the world will play their best in the best possible environment." He then introduced actor Hiroshi Tachi, the tournament's PR captain, and special guest Sho Sakurai.
The two, joined by former Japan players Ayumu Goromaru and Kensuke Hatakeyama from the 2015 England tournament, discussed behind-the-scenes stories from the 2015 tournament, the national characteristics of participating countries, variations in fan support, and pre-match rituals. Sakurai said, "I want people who haven't been exposed to rugby before to feel the excitement of the World Cup." Goromaru stated, "I hope the success of this tournament will lead to the 2020 Games."
Following the four-person talk, the tournament's championship trophy (the Webb Ellis Cup) was unveiled by former South Africa player Bryan Habana and former Wales player Shane Williams. When asked for their championship predictions, both noted many teams had a chance. Goro Maru, however, declared, "Japan will win!" igniting the crowd.
The trophy will tour nationwide from the day of the event until late September, being displayed to the public. Additionally, while the third phase of general ticket sales (until the end of July) is currently underway, the fourth phase of general sales is scheduled to begin in August.
Official Tournament Website: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/
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