Rugby World Cup 2019: ‘shattered’ cyclists arrive in Japan, deliver match whistle to Nigel Owens, after journey from Twickenham, London
- Ron Rutland and James Owens ride bikes from London to Japan for the Rugby World Cup, growing in character and shattered from physical exhaustion
Two Hongkongers have arrived in Japan for the Rugby World Cup 2019, having cycled 20,000km from Twickenham, London, the site of the 2015 tournament final. Ron Rutland and James Owens were entrusted with the 2019 opening game’s whistle, which they will deliver to referee Nigel Owens on Thursday.
The World Cup kicks off on Friday, September 20, with hosts Japan playing Russia. It is the first time the tournament has been held in Asia. But for the biking pair, it’s about more than arriving at the rugby.
“I’ve grown so much more than I expected,” said Owens, 28. “I’ve travelled a lot, so I knew people were kind, but this has reinforced that idea. People are the same everywhere, and if you give them a chance to be kind they will take it.
“I’ve reflected on life a lot, that’s where the growth has come from. I thought it would be about the physical and mental challenge, but it was all about the journey.”
Owens said the gradual changes across the world has given him a new perspective on life. Cultures and countries are very similar on either side of borders, he said, but even after thousands of kilometres when changes are noticeable “people are always generous”.