Gearing up for the Rugby World Cup

UK cross-sector support

The Embassy of Japan hosted a reception organised with the Japan National Tourism Organization to coincide with the official draw for the Rugby World Cup, in May.

Attendees included tour operators, national airlines, luxury hotel representatives from across Japan and representatives from some of the Japanese prefectures that are hosting games.

Ex Welsh Rugby International Shane Williams MBE spoke at the event and answered questions about his time in Japan.

Sarah Parsons, chair of JETAA UK, attended the event on behalf of JETAA UK.

In Japan

Meanwhile, work in Japan to promote rugby across the country in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup is gathering momentum. Local organisations and youth groups are setting up rugby teams for youth and the number of fans at matches is rising steadily.

Japan’s rugby experts are keen to learn from the UK’s experience in hosting the tournament and opportunities abound for British companies and individuals with expertise in the sport or mega sporting events.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan has produced a helpful report on how to get involved and continues to write reports on each of its related events.

Get involved!

If you are interested in organising any JETAA events related to rugby in your region of the UK, please send any ideas to chair@jetaa.org.uk. We can support you with access to the network of ex-JETs across the country.