Rugby World Cup 2019 opens

Rugby World Cup 2019 opens

By Semi Turaga
Saturday 21/09/2019

The Rugby World Cup opened with children singing while a brief history of rugby union was projected behind them onto the slopes of a replica of Mt Fuji erected in the middle of the pitch.

Around its base were the groups of schoolchildren representing each of the competing teams.

As they announced the participating countries in the World Cup, Japan got the loudest applause.

It was clear locals loved the All Blacks as cheers for New Zealand were second only to Japan.

Fans were later on the big projector screen as they danced along to YMCA.

Japan jerseys made up the majority of those in the crowd, but there were pockets of supporters from all around the world.

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino declared the tournament open, welcoming the tournament to Asia for the first time.

Prince Akishino made the declaration after performances inspired by Japanese festivals with a high‑tech Kabuki dance performance.

Radio NZ reports former All Black captain Richie McCaw was part of the opening, too, delivering the William Webb Ellis Cup to the tournament under a spotlight.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a speech during the ceremony that Japan has made history.

The tournament runs through to 2 November.

ADVERTISEMENT

Foods Pacific Ghee Promotion
FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Relief for Nursing Association as government approves payment for nurses
Fiji Nursing Association President, Doctor Adi Alisi Vudiniabola has acknowledged the government for securing the payment for the nurses, as this has ...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Members of the RFMF gathered at State House to celebrate President Ratu Wiliame’s 60th birthday
Members of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces gathered at the State House this morning to extend their birthday wishes to President Ratu ...
2 hours ago

Police in search for 16-year-old Sitiveni Ravono from Nadi
Police are seeking assistance in locating 16-year-old Sitiveni Kurulatabua Ravono who was reported missing at the Namaka Police Station. Police ...
2 hours ago

20 Police officers part of Fiji delegation that are off to support security for Solomon Islands elections
Twenty Fiji Police Officers are part of the Fiji delegation alongside their comrades from the Republic of Fiji Fiji Military Forces and the ...
2 hours ago

Radrodro is new SODELPA Leader and Gavoka remains as Minister for Education
Aseri Radrodro has been endorsed as the new leader of SODELPA and former leader and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka remains as the Minister for ...
3 hours ago

Man sets himself on fire outside Trump's Manhattan hush money trial
A man has set himself on fire outside the court in Manhattan where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is being held. After dousing ...
7 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
SODELPA Management Board instructs Gavoka to hand over Education portfolio to Radrodro
The SODELPA Management Board has now asked SODELPA’s Parliamentary Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka to relinquish his Education ...
2 days ago

Bainimarama and Qiliho's Acquittal Appeal
Coverage on the appeal filed by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku against the acquittal of the former Prime Minister Voreqe ...
17 days ago

National Program Manager for Fiji 7s, Gareth Baber appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Gareth Baber appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan to share his plans heading into the preparations for the upcoming tournaments ...
18 days ago

TOP