Rugby goes for big stage

TOKYO — Organizers of the 2020 Olympics signed a collaborative agreement with the organizers of the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Wednesday, aiming to maximize the benefits and impact of the global events.

The Rugby World Cup will be staged in Japan as Tokyo is finalizing preparations to host the Summer Games for the first time since 1964.

The two organizations will share knowledge and resources in areas including security, transport, venue management, volunteer programs and antidoping programs.

“There are many synergies between the hosting of these two events,” World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont said.

“We look forward to working with all parties to deliver on this opportunity.”

The 2019 edition will be the first Rugby World Cup held in Asia.

The new Olympic stadium was originally the centrepiece of the Rugby World Cup, but construction delays meant a venue change with the final now to be played in Yokohama.