JWC sets new benchmark
The recently completed Junior World Championship 2009 in Japan has been hailed a success by the International Rugby Board as its set a new benchmark for attendance, while leaving a lasting legacy for Rugby in Japan.
Over 100,000 Japanese fans braved the rainy season to see 16 teams compete in 40 matches spread across four venues, making the 2009 tournament the best ever attended IRB age grade tournament. The exciting action also proved successful in engaging the Japanese Rugby community while reaching out to new audiences.
The championship was televised in 135 countries through 17 global broadcasters with live coverage of 10 Championship matches broadcast across Japan and wider Asia, reaching a growing market for the Game. Broadcasters from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa also covered the tournament.
The standard of Rugby on display demonstrated that international Under 20 Rugby continues to go from strength to strength and after 40 matches, 257 tries, 167 conversions, 113 penalty kicks and five drop goals for a total of 3,958 points, New Zealand were crowned champions with their captain Aaron Cruden also being named IRB Junior Player of the Year 2009.
“We have enjoyed a wonderful festival of international Rugby in Japan with some big crowds, competitive matches, breathtaking individual skill and a strong global television audience,” said IRB Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias.
A dedicated tournament legacy programme involving schools and rugby clubs across each of the four regions hosting matches, has also been hailed a success with over 5000 children participating in events with the 16 participating teams.
“The IRB legacy programme, which involved players from all participating nations in school coaching sessions, and the training of local referees and commissioners, will leave a lasting legacy for the Game in Japan for many years to come.”
“I would like to thank the Japan Rugby Football Union for hosting such a successful Junior World Championship 2009, and we look forward to welcoming the top 12 teams to Argentina for the IRB Junior World Championship in June 2010,” added Bourdarias.
Yuichi Nakazato, JRFU Tournament Director, said: “I am pleased that the first ever international 15-a-side tournament in Japan has been such a success, and delighted that we passed the 100,000 mark for spectators.”
“We believe that lots of Japanese fans will be enthused by the atmosphere of international competition and seeing the stars of the future on display and will be inspired to play and watch Rugby. The tournament legacy programme has engaged local children and married Rugby with Japanese tradition and education.”
