The submission phase of the bidding process for the staging of matches has now closed and each application will be closely assessed, with the successful cities or prefectures being announced in the first quarter of next year.

There is a large geographical spread of proposed venues from Sapporo in the north of the country right down to Nagasaki and Kumamoto in the south, meaning fans will be at the very heart of the event.

There is also a healthy mix of stadium capacities ranging from 80,000 in Tokyo to 15,000 at Kamaishi in the Iwate Prefecture.

The other applicants are Sendai, the Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya, the Shizuoka Prefecture, the Aichi Prefecture and Toyota, the Osaka Prefecture and Higashi Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Fukuoka and the Ōita Prefecture.

"It is very encouraging for us to note the huge level of interest in Japan to host matches for rugby's showcase event," said 2019 Rugby World Cup chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The fact that the tournament has the full backing of local and national Government is particularly pleasing and it is essential for its success.

"Japan has a strong history of delivering world-class sports events with an excellent infrastructure, state-of-the-art venues and people who love to engage and be part of the celebration."

Japan were confirmed as hosts of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in 2009 ©Getty Images



Akira Shimazu, chief executive of Japan 2019, added: "The standards required to host matches at Rugby World Cup are very high but, nevertheless, many local Governments have submitted applications.

"I am confident that despite any challenges each applicant may face, they will be up to the task.

"I am truly grateful for their interest in hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

"The host cities will be our full partners, and we will select them in a fair and comprehensive process to ensure a Rugby World Cup that is successful nationwide and worldwide."

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