Story highlights Rugby fans cycling from London to Tokyo Arrive in Japan for first game of World Cup (CNN)Some 20,000 kilometers of roads separate Twickenham Stadium, the site of the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, and Tokyo Stadium, which will host the opening game of this year's competition. For two fans, the tournaments are just a bike ride apart. The kickoff between Japan and Russia in six months' time will bring to an end a journey that will take 231 days, spanning two continents and 27 countries. By that time, Ron Rutland and James Owens will be grateful to put their bikes to one side and watch some rugby. "We're gluttons for punishment," Rutland tells CNN Sport from Bulgaria, just under four weeks into the journey. "It's pretty relentless going to be honest. We're in our saddles probably about seven hours a day." South African Rutland is no stranger to long-distance adventures. Before the 2015 World Cup he embarked on a two-year, 42,000km cycle through Africa and Europe, … [Read more...] about Rugby World Cup: The 20,000km cycle ride to Tokyo
Rugby world cup final
This is who Wales will actually have to beat to win the Rugby World Cup
Wales' preparations for the Rugby World Cup couldn't really be going any better right now. The Six Nations Grand Slam champions have won their last 14 matches, are ranked second in the world and look genuine contenders for the ultimate prize in international rugby. So, who will they actually be playing in Japan? Here we look at the likely path they would have to take if they were to reach the Rugby World Cup final. Who have Wales got in the Pool stages? Here are the groups. Pool A: Ireland; Scotland; Japan; Russia; Samoa. Pool B: New Zealand; South Africa; Italy; Namibia; Canada. Pool C: England; France: Argentina; USA; Tonga. Pool D: Australia; Wales ; Georgia; Fiji; Uruguay. Wales are currently the top ranked team in their Pool thanks to the 14-match winning run, and they will enter the competition as favourites to top the group. Australia's difficulties in the Rugby Championship and during the autumn tour have seen them drop to sixth in the rankings, four places behind … [Read more...] about This is who Wales will actually have to beat to win the Rugby World Cup
Inside Line: Wales expose familiar faults that could hurt England at Rugby World Cup
Two steps forward, one step back. If a pair of encouraging victories to start the 2019 Six Nations hinted at how England are capable of dismantling teams, their defeat in Cardiff stressed that some familiar vulnerabilities remain. The intensity of Saturday’s encounter at the Principality Stadium resembled a Rugby World Cup knockout game. Indeed, Wales and England are scheduled to meet at the quarter-final stage in Japan if one of them wins their group and the other comes second. With that in mind, Eddie Jones should be slightly concerned by the manner in which his side faded. Arguably, a few of his own tactical decisions contributed to the loss. Discipline lapses Over the past two matches between... To continue reading this article Start your free trial of Premium Access all Premium articles Subscriber-only events Cancel any time Free for 30 days then only £2 per week Try Premium Access one Premium article per week Register for free … [Read more...] about Inside Line: Wales expose familiar faults that could hurt England at Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup: Remembering the shock of the century
Story highlights Japan stunned Springboks at RWC 2015 Leitch and Kolisi remember Brighton match Japan hosts RWC in 2019 for first time (CNN)With time almost up on the clock, Japan rolled the dice on England's south coast. A successful kick at goal could have secured a draw against two-time world champions South Africa -- a remarkable result for a team of Japan's stature. Coach Eddie Jones bayed from the sidelines for his team to take the kick, but captain Michael Leitch thought otherwise. Leitch wanted a try -- five points that would thrust Japan into the history books with the greatest upset in Rugby World Cup history. "I'd rather go down challenging South Africa than kicking the goal, missing, and regretting it for the rest of my life," Leitch tells CNN. They say fortune favors the brave, and the aptly-named Brave Blossoms -- who showed courage and nerve by the bucket-load on that day in 2015 -- were richly rewarded. Read More When Karne Hesketh slid over after … [Read more...] about Rugby World Cup: Remembering the shock of the century
Old Trafford will host 2021 Rugby League World Cup final
Old Trafford will host the final of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in a major coup for the city. Manchester United's stadium will stage both the men's and women's finals of the tournament in a big double header to round-off the tournament. Bolton Wanderers' University of Bolton Stadium will host one of the quarter-finals. Leigh Sports Village and the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington will each host three group games. City's Etihad Stadium, part of the Manchester bid, missed out with council chiefs saying 'existing commitments within the football calendar' meant the Blues could not work with schedule. There was also shock and anger after rugby league heartland Wigan was also snubbed. The men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will be played alongside each other for the first time. Newcastle's St James' Park will host the opening ceremony and opening men's game on October 23. Arsenal's Emirates Stadium was also chosen to stage one of the two semi-finals with rugby … [Read more...] about Old Trafford will host 2021 Rugby League World Cup final