Typhoon sinks Namibia's dream
Namibia's hopes of winning their first match in the Rugby World Cup ended after a devastating typhoon hit Kamaishi.
Namibia's final World Cup pool match against Canada became the third match to be cancelled due to the effects of typhoon Hagibis that hit Japan on Saturday.
The typhoon has thrown the World Cup under a cloud of controversy in recent days, with England's Pool C clash against France and the All Blacks' game against Italy both called off due to fears around teams' and supporters' safety.
Yesterday, World Rugby confirmed the Japan-Scotland game would not go ahead as scheduled in Kamaishi, with both teams awarded two points.
Namibia were targeting their first-ever World Cup win, while Canada were looking for their first win at the tournament since 2011.
In their official statement, World Rugby pointed out that Kamaishi is situated in a mountainous area and that there was a danger of landslides and flooding on access roads near the stadium.
“The safety of teams, fans, volunteers and workforce is our number one priority,' tournament organiser Alan Gilpin said. 'Following strong direction from the Prefecture of Iwate and the City of Kamaishi, we were left with no option but to cancel the match on safety grounds.
“We have been liaising closely with the city and the venue over the past 24 hours and have informed the teams. In line with the direction of the local authorities, we are making the difficult, but right decision to cancel the match.
“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.
“Nobody will be more disappointed than them, but also nobody would have better empathy with the decision.”
Japan Rugby World Cup please log onto http://rwc.my.na
- NAMPA/AFP
The typhoon has thrown the World Cup under a cloud of controversy in recent days, with England's Pool C clash against France and the All Blacks' game against Italy both called off due to fears around teams' and supporters' safety.
Yesterday, World Rugby confirmed the Japan-Scotland game would not go ahead as scheduled in Kamaishi, with both teams awarded two points.
Namibia were targeting their first-ever World Cup win, while Canada were looking for their first win at the tournament since 2011.
In their official statement, World Rugby pointed out that Kamaishi is situated in a mountainous area and that there was a danger of landslides and flooding on access roads near the stadium.
“The safety of teams, fans, volunteers and workforce is our number one priority,' tournament organiser Alan Gilpin said. 'Following strong direction from the Prefecture of Iwate and the City of Kamaishi, we were left with no option but to cancel the match on safety grounds.
“We have been liaising closely with the city and the venue over the past 24 hours and have informed the teams. In line with the direction of the local authorities, we are making the difficult, but right decision to cancel the match.
“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.
“Nobody will be more disappointed than them, but also nobody would have better empathy with the decision.”
Japan Rugby World Cup please log onto http://rwc.my.na
- NAMPA/AFP
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