Safety first as Hagibis strikes

TOKYO - The Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Namibia and Canada which was scheduled to be contested later on yesterday in Kamaishi has been cancelled because of the destruction caused by Typhoon Hagibis, World Rugby said.

“Owing to the level 5 evacuation order remaining operational following Typhoon Hagibis, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 organising committee have cancelled today’s Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool B match between Namibia and Canada in Kamaishi on safety grounds,” organisers said in statement. “The safety of all involved in Rugby World Cup 2019 is our primary consideration and fans are advised not to travel to Kamaishi or the venue, which will be closed.”

The organising committee’s CEO Akira Shimazu added: “We considered every possibility to make this game happen, in the end we had no option but to cancel the match to ensure the safety of the fans, team, volunteers, and all others involved.