Japan dealt 2019 World Cup blow

Japan’s Rugby World Cup preparations have been handed a setback with the news that the new National Stadium will not be ready in time for the start of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Reuters report that the new design for the stadium is being scrapped in order to reduce certain costs.

As a result the new stadium in Tokyo will not be ready in time for the tournament in four years when Japan host the World Cup for the first time.

The new National Stadium is also set to play a key role during the 2020 Olympic Games the following year.

Yokohama’s International Stadium, which was the venue for the 2002 football World Cup venue, has been reported as a possible venue to host the events planned for the National Stadium.

Japan won the bid to host the 2019 RWC back in 2009 when they were chosen ahead of Italy and South Africa.