Rugby World Cup England vs France match cancelled, Japan vs Scotland still in doubt, as Typhoon Hagibis hits
- Fixture declared a draw and England progress top of the group
- New Zealand vs Italy is also called off
England’s Rugby World Cup game against France has been cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis. The game was supposed to take place in Yokohama on Saturday. As a result, England top the group and France progress as well, in second place. The game would have been a decider between the two sides for the top place. New Zealand vs Italy is also cancelled.
Scotland vs Japan is due to be played on Sunday in Yokohama. It will decide who progresses from pool A, with three teams, including Ireland, still in the hunt for a quarter-final spot, but a decision about the game is not yet announced.
A press release said: “Every effort is being made to ensure Sunday’s matches will be played as scheduled. A thorough assessment of venues will take place after the typhoon has passed before a final decision is made on Sunday morning.”
If the game is cancelled, Scotland and Japan will draw. It will mean Japan win the group, but Scotland will need Samoa to upset Ireland to progress.
World Rugby chief operating officer and tournament director Alan Gilpin said: “This is a complex and dynamic situation which we have been monitoring extremely closely with the assistance of our weather information experts. We are now in a position to accurately predict the likely impact of Typhoon Hagibis on Rugby World Cup fixtures this weekend.”
“While making every possible effort to put in place a contingency plan that would enable all of Saturday’s matches to be played, it would be grossly irresponsible to leave teams, fans, volunteers and other tournament personnel exposed during what is predicted to be a severe typhoon.
“As a result, we have taken the decision to cancel some matches in order to ensure the safety of all involved. It is the right thing to do, and comes with the support of all stakeholders, including the teams.
“We fully appreciate that England, France, New Zealand and Italy fans will be disappointed, but we trust they will appreciate that their safety must come first. They will be entitled to a full refund on their match tickets.
“Our message for all fans in Japan for Rugby World Cup is to heed all official advice, stay indoors throughout Saturday and do not attempt to travel on the day.”
