Rugby World Cup opening ceremony: videos and best pictures

published 20 September 2019

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Performers take part in the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony — (Image credit: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2019 Rugby World Cup has begun with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Tokyo Stadium in Japan.

2019 Rugby World Cup: all results from the tournament in Japan

Taiko drummers, Kabuki performers, “Mount Fuji”, dancers and a light show treated the fans to a colourful display inside the stadium before Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino officially declared the tournament open.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Over the next six weeks we will experience the very best of rugby and the very best of Japan as excitement sweeps this great nation.

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“I know Japan will be the most welcoming of hosts, you are the best. The waiting is over and the stage is set. It’s now over to the teams and the fans to make this the best World Cup ever.”

Twenty international rugby union nations are playing in the tournament. The action kicked off with the hosts Japan beating Russia 30-10 in the first match of pool A.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup final will be held on 2 November in Yokohama.

Host nation Japan beat Russia 30-10 in the first match

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