Rugby World Cup Considering Moving Matches on Typhoon, Report Says

(Bloomberg) -- Rugby World Cup organizers are considering changing venues or times for this weekend’s matches to avoid the powerful Typhoon Hagibis that’s bearing down on Japan, national broadcaster NHK reported.

The organizing committee may take the extraordinary step because the matches in question -- including a key contest between host Japan and Scotland -- could have a pronounced effect on the tournament outcome, NHK said, citing the committee. It wants to make a decision on Thursday.

Typhoon Hagibis is headed toward central Japan on Saturday, with wind gusts of as much as 216 kilometers (134 miles) per hour in the afternoon, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency website. It is then forecast to make its way to eastern Japan around the Tokyo area.

Under existing rules, pool matches canceled by weather would be considered a draw. Such a result may mean Japan progresses to the quarter-finals for the first time at the expense of Scotland, its opponent on Sunday night in Yokohama, depending on the result of a clash between Ireland and Samoa.

Even if the matches go ahead, thousands of fans may face transport disruptions. East Japan Railway Co. may need to suspend some services this weekend if the storm runs its projected course, Asahi reported late Tuesday, citing President Yuji Fukasawa.

Ireland’s match against Samoa is scheduled for Saturday night in the southwestern city of Fukuoka, which is expected to miss the brunt of the typhoon.

Other matches this weekend include New Zealand against Italy in Toyota City on Saturday afternoon, followed by England versus France in Yokohama. On Sunday, Namibia is scheduled to play Canada, the U.S. squares up against Tonga, and Wales faces Uruguay.

To contact the reporter on this story: Sophie Jackman in Tokyo at sjackman5@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Marcus Wright at mwright115@bloomberg.net, Russell Ward, Teo Chian Wei

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