TOKYO (JUL 28) – On July 28, 2009, exactly one year ago today, Japan was awarded the rights to host the  Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC 2019).

In a briefing session conducted today by the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), over 100 participants from various fields in business and government reiterated their strong commitment and support to Japan's bid to host the RWC and pledged their continuing support for the preparations and plans for the RWC 2019 in Japan.

"The purpose of this briefing session is to gather all the people and bid committee members that supported us since our Rugby World Cup 2011 bid," said Yoshiro Mori, President of  JRFU. "As we commemorate this one year hosting rights anniversary, we wish to share with everyone the success of  ‘Winning the bid to host Rugby World Cup in Japan’ and report on the activities and progress towards Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Yoshiro Mori, President JRFU, Former Prime Minister of Japan

Noboru Mashimo, Chairman and Vice President, JRFU

Gen Nakatani, Parlimentary Rugby Club President and Assembly Member House of Rep.

“Our bid for the Rugby World Cup was not only for Japan," Mori continued. "We believe that by promoting the great sport of rugby in Asia, where 60% of the world's population live, we can contribute to the globalization of rugby and the development of rugby throughout the world. "