World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont says they will aim to ensure Japan play more tier-one matches following their impressive performances at the World Cup.
The World Cup hosts claimed four wins from four in the pool stages to qualify for their first-ever quarter-final. With victories over Six Nations teams such as Ireland and Scotland, Japan moved up to seventh in the World Rugby rankings.
It’s been an incredible tournament so far for the Asian nation, who will face the Springboks in this Sunday’s quarter-final in Tokyo.
However, Beaumont told Kyodo News that they had already done more than enough to make people sit up and pay attention.
‘What we are trying to do in all our tournaments and competitions is get more tier-one fixtures for Japan. Rest assured, if I was the treasurer of any country, I would want Japan to come and play us because you know you are going to attract a lot of spectators and a lot of interest to watch a very successful team.
‘But also, [they bring] an incredible style of rugby, which relies on pace and precision.’
Beaumont added that there would also be no concerns at all about a country like Japan hosting another World Cup despite the fact that three games were called off this time around due to a typhoon.
‘No hesitation at all in coming back to Japan for a Rugby World Cup, none whatsoever. The response we have had from the country and the teams has been exceptional.’
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
