With Europe, Africa and Australasia having had a taste of the game’s premier competition, it was Asia’s turn to show what the continent can offer, and the festivities began with a glittering opening ceremony.
Japanese culture on show
As the Rugby World Cup reached a new frontier, it kicked off with a ceremony like no other, with the best of Japanese culture on show.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on September 20, 2019, ahead of the Pool A match between Japan and Russia. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on September 20, 2019, ahead of the Pool A match between Japan and Russia. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on September 20, 2019, ahead of the Pool A match between Japan and Russia. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)Passing the batton
The main prize was also on show, held by a man who is among the very few to have lifted it aloft more than twice.
All Blacks great, Richie McCaw led his side to two consecutive Rugby World Cup triumphs, and was there to lift the Webb-Ellis trophy one more time.
Former New Zealand international Richie McCaw holds the Rugby World Cup trophy during the tournament’s opening ceremony at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on September 20, 2019, ahead of the Pool A match between Japan and Russia. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)
