The curtain fell on the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Saturday after the final in which South Africa beat England and earned their third World Cup title following triumphs in 1995 and 2007. England had earlier crushed the desires of New Zealand for a three-peat and a fourth title. The Springboks have now tied their rivals the All Blacks with three World Cup titles.
Hosts Japan shined in achieving the historical feat of advancing to the last eight, with their world ranking as high as sixth during the international event.
It was obvious that high-quality performances by rugby powerhouses -- and Tier 2 teams such as Japan, Georgia and Uruguay putting up a good fight against Tier 1 nations -- made a favorable impression on people who do not usually watch the sport, even those who may think the rules hard to understand.
However, what is worthy of special mention in this World Cup, which was the first held in Asia and away from traditional rugby giants, was that many people seem to have been attracted by the values and culture distinctive to rugby, in addition to the impressive performances.
For example, during the post-match interviews, the captain and head coach of the losing team, while forcing back their disappointment, never forget to praise the winning team and express thanks to their supporters.
After the match, both teams' members not only shake hands with each other out of mutual respect, but also perform a special custom. The winning team first lines up in two rows on the field near the exit to the changing rooms and the losing team passes between while receiving applause from the winners. Then in turn, the losing team forms two rows to send out the winning team while returning the applause.
In this World Cup, many teams also gained attention with their Japanese-style bows after matches, apparently an expression of respect for Japanese culture and gratitude for local fans' support.
In the stands, spectators supporting different sides sit next to each other and cheer in their own way, singing their supporters' songs in loud chorus. Some wear replica jerseys of their favorite teams or gaudy costumes, and some wear face paint of a national flag or other symbol.
Rugby also attracts people with its team spirit and physicality, as players clash with each other without wearing much in the way of protective gear.
The international governing body World Rugby stipulates five points in its "Rugby's Values": integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. It is understandable that rugby has been adopted at educational institutions as a sport to help nurture young people and build their character.
Many challenges remain
On the flip side of a surge in public interest in Japan in the sport, there remain many challenges to overcome.
In the 2015 World Cup in England, Japan won three matches, including a giant killing when the Brave Blossoms beat the Springboks, but could not advance to the quarterfinals. Since then, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) and those involved in Top League, the highest-level rugby league in Japan, could not ride the wave of rugby fever to long-term domestic popularity, as shown by the current low attendance levels in the league.
As a countermeasure, JRFU has recently come up with a plan to set up a dozen professional teams based in 12 cities across Japan from 2021. But it remains to be seen to what extent companies with rugby clubs actively support the plan.
How to continue strengthening the national team at the international level is another serious issue.
It was decided that the Japan-based Sunwolves would be excluded from the Southern Hemisphere's Super Rugby, one of the highest-level professional leagues in the world, from the 2021 season. A World Rugby-initiated plan for a new international league from 2022, including the Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides, as well as Japan and the United States, has also collapsed.
After the Brave Blossoms beat Scotland in its final pool-stage match on Oct. 13, JRFU Chairman Shigetaka Mori said emphatically: "Japan should be a World Cup host about 20 years in the future. Japan is more than a one-time host."
But to lure the tournament to Japan again, the weather problem must be solved, as a powerful typhoon caused the cancellation of three pool-stage matches, including one between Italy and New Zealand on Oct. 12 that could have had bearing on the quarterfinals if the All Blacks had lost. The cancellations were the firsts for any World Cup.
Italy captain Sergio Parisse, who had told media organizations that he would retire from international play after the World Cup, severely criticized World Rugby's decision, saying: "The alternative is plan B. When you organize a World Cup, you should have one in place."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
