(ATR) Rugby's governing body moved the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final from the to-be-built Tokyo National Stadium to Yokohama International Stadium on Monday.
Originally, the new National Stadium in Tokyo was set to host the opening ceremony, opening match, and championship match. However,Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in July that the rising costs for the venue, coupled with an unflattering design,lead to the decision to scrap current plans for the structure and start anew, forcing organizers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics to come up with new timelines for their events. The stadium was first intended to be built for the Rugby World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday outlining the new "2019 hosting roadmap," World Rugby said Tokyo Stadium will host the opening of the tournament, The number of venues for the event will remain at 12.
2019 World Cup Chief Executive Akira Shimazu said the venue change would provide a "spectacular backdrop," for the conclusion of the tournament. Yokohama International Stadium previously hosted the final for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
World Rugby President Bernard Lapasset said that the "shared vision and mission," between the Japanese Rugby Federation and the world governing body led to a quick resolution on the National Stadium issue.
Written by Aaron Bauer.
Homepage photo: Perhaps the most important match for Japan to-date was their victory over South Africa. (Getty Images)
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