Rob Vickermen – Rugby World Cup shows Japan has earned its bow on global stage
THERE is no denying the announcement of the 2019 Rugby World Cup being hosted in Japan was a risk when World Rugby made the announcement a whole decade ago.
There were many questioning the appeal of rugby in Asia, and specifically Japan, a team who at that point had one named credit in World Cup statistics, a record 145-17 loss to New Zealand in 1995.
Brave Blossoms in Brighton
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Hide AdLittle did anyone know that one of the most stunning Rugby World Cup games, if not rugby as a whole, would take place in Brighton in 2015, for which I was present commentating for the BBC.