JapanVsScotland Rugby World Cup match continues, despite typhoon alert

After the deadly devastation by Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday, October 12, a third Rugby World Cup game in Japan was cancelled which was originally scheduled for October 13. Organisers came to the decision to ensure safety for the tournament host to play Scotland at Yokohama. The decision came at 6 AM Japanese local time to cancel the last Pool B game between Canada and Namibia, which was set to be played at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium. The Japanese authorities have issued an evacuation order in the area and there had been landslides and flooding near the stadium in northeastern Japan. Though World Rugby confirmed at 7 AM that the U.S.-Tonga game at Hanazono Stadium in Osaka and the Wales-Uruguay game at Kumamoto are all clear, it took a lot of time to come to the decision for the crucial Pool A game between Japan and Scotland.

Read: Japan: Typhoon Hagibis Wrecks Tokyo; At Least 7 Dead, 15 Missing

The cancelled matches

As Typhoon Hagibis made landfall in the south of Tokyo killing 7 and with 15 others missing, earlier two matches on Saturday were cancelled. The match was a quarterfinal decider and the 40th of the matches. Moreover, Scotland also threatened to sue the organisers of the game that was cancelled as it badly needed a win to reach the quarter-final. Japan is in a more favourable position and only needs to avoid the defeat to make it to the next match. The only game cancelled on Sunday was in Kamaishi. This is the first time any games have been cancelled at a Rugby World Cup.

"Following extensive discussions with World Rugby, Kamaishi City, and Iwate Prefecture, during which we considered every possibility to make this game happen, we had no option but to cancel the match to ensure the safety of the fans, team, volunteers, and all others involved. It was both a difficult and emotional decision to make, however, I feel it's the right decision and firmly believe both domestic and foreign fans will understand the decision was made to ensure safety," organizing committee chief executive Akira Shimazu said. 

Read: Typhoon Hagibis: Rescue Efforts Begin After Heavy Rains Flood Japan

World Rugby speaks on match cancellations

Similarly, World Rugby issued a statement reiterated the information given by Akira. The organization said that Kamaishi is situated in a highly mountainous area, including mountains directly behind the main stand of the stadium. As there have been landslides and flooding in the vicinity of the stadium and along access roads to the venue following torrential rain throughout the night, the match had to be cancelled. The organization also stood for people affected in the typhoon.

"Our hearts go out to the teams and also their fans, but also the people of Kamaishi, who have been incredible during what has been a special journey in recent years," World Rugby tournament director Alan Gilpin said. 

(With inputs from Associated Press)

Read: Japan: 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Main Island Amid Typhoon Hagibis

Read: Heavy Rain, Winds Lash Tokyo As Powerful Typhoon Hits Japan