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2019 Rugby World Cup dates revealed

The first Rugby World Cup to take place in Asia will be hosted by Japan in 2019
The first Rugby World Cup to take place in Asia will be hosted by Japan in 2019

The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup will take place on 20 September and the final on 2 November.

This year's tournament concludes with Saturday's final between New Zealand and Australia, with Japan, one of the success stories from the 2015 competition, hosting the next edition.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said: "The Brave Blossoms, Japan's national team, have been one of the great stories from this year's tournament.

"With their combination of skill, speed, athleticism and determination, they have won many admirers and they have inspired a nation to follow our great sport. All that bodes well for the next edition of Rugby World Cup."

Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto, speaking as the Japan 2019 logo featuring a rising sun and Mount Fuji was unveiled, added: "We are very excited and proud to be the host union for RWC 2019 as the tournament is held in Asia for the very first time."

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