Rugby World Cup Sets Numerous Records "The Greatest Tournament" Comes to a Close

The Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan, the first time the tournament was held in Asia, concluded on November 2 after a six-week schedule. (Image = © Fort Kishimoto)

On the final day, the final match between England and South Africa was held at Yokohama International Stadium, with South Africa winning 32-12 to claim their third championship. This three-time victory ties them with New Zealand for the most championships in the tournament's history.
The third-place playoff between New Zealand and Wales, held the previous day at Tokyo Stadium, was won by New Zealand.

Organizers World Rugby (WR) and the tournament organizing committee held a summary press conference in Tokyo on the 3rd.
WR Chairman Bill Beaumont commented, "The Japan tournament was one of the best ever and truly groundbreaking in bringing in new audiences. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Japan and the Japanese people, who were wonderful, humble, and historic hosts. The Japanese national team's remarkable performance was also one of the tournament's most memorable moments. Furthermore, the Japan tournament set numerous records and dramatically changed the image of rugby."

Total attendance for the tournament was approximately 1,704,000 spectators, with an average attendance per match of approximately 38,000. The highest attendance for a pool match was approximately 68,000 for Japan vs. Scotland (October 13: Yokohama). The highest attendance for the knockout stage was the final (November 2: Yokohama) with approximately 70,000 spectators, setting a record for the venue.

Ticket sales reached approximately 99.3%, with about 1.84 million tickets sold. Television ratings (Video Research Ltd.: Kanto region) were particularly high for Japan's matches. The quarterfinal match against Scotland (broadcast on the Nippon TV network) achieved an average household rating of 39.2% and a peak instantaneous rating of 53.7%.
According to estimates from Video Research Ltd., the total number of viewers watching any of the five live broadcasts of Japan's matches in real time nationwide was approximately 87.31 million, with the final match reaching about 41.89 million viewers.
Additionally, approximately 1.14 million people visited the "Fan Zones" set up in 16 locations nationwide during the tournament period, enjoying public viewings and other activities.

Organizing Committee Secretary General Akira Shimazu commented, "The tournament became a wonderful event that will be long remembered by many people. We would like to express our gratitude once again to all the players and fans, both domestic and international. The excitement this time was not only due to the appeal of rugby as a game, but also because rugby's five core values – dignity, passion, unity, discipline, and respect – resonated with the hearts of the Japanese people. We hope the tournament contributes to the global growth and development of rugby. The Organizing Committee aims to pass the baton firmly to the 2023 tournament in France."

Official Tournament Website:
https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/