World Rugby has issued a weather statement with regards to Typhoon Hagibis and the effects it may have on the final round of pool fixtures this weekend at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The typhoon which seemed most likely to cause problems for Ireland’s clash with Samoa in particular now appears as though it is heading north and east towards Tokyo and the surrounding regions according to the statement.
“World Rugby, Japan Rugby 2019 and our weather information experts continue to closely monitor the direction and strength of Typhoon Hagibis (Typhoon 19). It remains too early to fully predict the movement and impact of the storm, however the latest modelling by our weather information experts indicates that it is now tracking north and east and will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Tokyo and surrounding areas on 12 October,” the statement read.
World Rugby have also asked all fans to keep up to date with the weather situation and has confirmed that it will take the necessary actions towards games if needed.
“Public and team safety is our number one priority. While we have robust contingency plans in place for pool matches, such plans, if required, will only be actioned if the safety of teams, fans, and workforce can be guaranteed. It would be inappropriate to comment on any contingency plans at this stage. We will continue to closely monitor this developing situation in partnership with our weather information experts, local authorities, transport providers and the teams, and will provide a further update Wednesday. Fans are advised to monitor official Rugby World Cup channels for any updates,” the statement concluded.
From what is now understood the typhoon will no longer hit Fukuoka, the capital of small island Kyushu where Ireland are set to play their game.
However, there are now growing fears that England’s Pool C decider with France could be in jeopardy along with Japan’s crucial clash with Scotland on Sunday.
Any changes to Ireland or Japan’s game could be vital to the outcome of Pool A whereas England and France are battling it out for the top spot in the pool having both already qualified for the quarter-finals.
There are many guidelines and permutations involved with a scenario involving poor weather at the competition, but all rugby fans will be hoping that there is no issue and that the rugby itself will decide the destiny of teams and not the weather.
