Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Less than a year out from RWC 2019, the organizers have announced who will sing the anthem of the competition. It is to be Kiyoe Yoshioka, a Japanese pop-rock singer and leader of the Ikimono-gakari group. Yoshioka is a real star in Japan.
RWC 2019 begins on Friday September 20 2019. Japan will play host to Russia in the tournament opener. The fixture marks the first time in RWC history that a Tier 1 country will not compete in the opening match.
The Americas have three countries qualified for RWC 2019 with a fourth set to learn its fate in November.
Argentina qualified automatically. The Semi Finalist from RWC 2015 bypassed the qualifying process by virtue of being among the top 3 placed teams in their Pool in England.
The USA qualified as Americas 1. In doing so the Eagles made history as never before has the USA qualified for a RWC head of Canada. The Eagles booked their trip to Japan in July 2017.
Uruguay faced Canada earlier this year. Their home-and-away series was won by the South Americans. This also saw history being made with Canada sent into Repechage for the first time. Uruguay won in Vancouver in January and in Montevideo in February to qualify for RWC 2019.
Canada face Germany, Hong Kong, and Kenya in November. The four countries will compete in a special Repechage Winner tournament. The top side of the four will book the 20th, and final, spot at RWC 2019.
