United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Super typhoon is heading to Japan, Rugby World Cup matches under threat
ABTA delegates staying on in Japan after this week’s convention in Tokyo risk being caught in a violent typhoon that is heading towards the main island.
Typhoon Hagibis is due to hit Japan this weekend, bringing torrential rain and gusts of wind up to 149mph.
It is likely to disrupt the Rugby World Cup matches taking place on Saturday.
The super-typhoon 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, matches are due to be held between Ireland and Samoa in Fukuoka (above) and between Italy and New Zealand in Toyota.
Both cities, and the capital Tokyo, could be hit by the typhoon. However, its large size means that areas not facing a direct hit could still be significantly impacted.
Delegates due to fly back over the weekend have been told by ANA that their flgihts might be affected.
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.
"We will continue to closely monitor this developing situation in partnership with our weather information experts, local authorities, transport providers and the teams, and will provide a further update tomorrow. Fans are advised to monitor official Rugby World Cup channels for any updates."
Related News Stories:
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
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship