IRB Rugby World Cup
World Rugby demand 2019 Rugby World Cup assurances from Japan
ESPN Staff
August 27, 2015
© Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

World Rugby has given Japan until the end of September to come up with assurances over the "financial security" of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after Tokyo's National Stadium was scrapped as a venue.

A refurbished National Stadium was due to host the opening match, final and possibly both semifinals but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe halted the project last month due to rising costs.

Rugby union's global governing body revealed they have set out "a revised roadmap" for the organisers to follow in order to ensure delivery of the tournament.

"World Rugby is seeking formal reassurance regarding the following key hosting criteria by the end of September in order to undertake a thorough review and analysis of the information," the governing body said in a statement.

"A revised detailed host venue proposal that delivers exceptional team and fan experience, maximising opportunities for fans to be a part of rugby's showcase event.

"A revised tournament budget with appropriate financial security."

World Rugby added that the loss of the National Stadium would have a "significant impact on the overall ticketing capacity and tournament budget".

"These are critical to an event that is the lifeblood of the game, underpinning its growth worldwide and the financial support of 120 national rugby federations."

© ESPN Staff

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