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Japan braces for super typhoon Hagibis, Rugby World Cup match cancelled
Typhoon Hagibis is due to hit Japan this weekend, bringing torrential rain and gusts of wind up to 149 mph.
As a result, the Rugby World Cup match between England and France in Yokohama has been cancelled. Fans have been advised not to travel on Saturday.
The storm could also hit ABTA delegates who have stayed on in Japan after attending this week’s annual convention in Tokyo. Flights home are likely to be disrupted.
Hagibis is the 19th typhoon this year and comes just one month after Greater Tokyo was hit by Typhoon Faxai, which was one the strongest storms in its history.
Super typhoon Hagibis could be even worse, and it is expectedt to hit Tokyo and surrounding areas.
It is sweeping across the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea and while it’s not yet certain where the eye of the storm will hit, there are questions being asked about which World Cup matches will be safe to play.
On Saturday, England was due to play France, but that match has already been cancelled, as has New Zealand’s game against Italy in Toyota on Saturday. World Cup organisers are hoping Scotland’s game against Japan on Sunday will still go ahead.
"The decision to cancel matches has not been taken lightly," said tournament director Alan Gilpin. "It has been made with the best interest of team, public and tournament volunteer safety as a priority based on expert advice."
The large size of Typhoon Hagibis means that areas not facing a direct hit could still be significantly impacted.
A spokeswoman for the Japan National Tourist Office said it was monitoring the weather closely and would change post-Convention itineraries if necessary.
World Cup organisers say they are monitoring the storm. "The typhoon is tracking in a north-westerly direction and could bring high winds and heavy rain to southern Japan on 12 and 13 October," World Rugby said.
"While it is too early to determine the exact trajectory and impact, if any, of the typhoon at this early stage, as per previous typhoon warnings, we have a robust contingency programme in place in the event adverse weather looks likely to impact fixtures."
"Fans are advised to monitor official Rugby World Cup channels for any updates."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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