Spectacular opening ceremony kicks off Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan

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Tom Dutton20 September 2019

Japan raised the curtain on the 2019 Rugby World Cup with a spectacular opening ceremony in Tokyo on Friday.

A brilliant show which celebrated the rich culture of Japan, both ancient and modern, wowed a capacity crowd at the Tokyo Stadium ahead of the opening match between the hosts and Russia.

The ceremony was inspired by Japanese festivals and included high-tech Kabuki dance performance.

Fans were in their seats well in advance of kick off as former New Zealand star Richie McCaw, the 2015 winning captain, presented the Webb Ellis Cup to the crowd.

Rugby World Cup classic World in Union was belted out by a choir as images of each competing nation were projected onto a model of Mount Fuji in the centre of the pitch.

McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup aloft during Friday's opening ceremony
Getty Images

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino officially declared the tournament open, welcoming the World Cup to Asia for the first time.

The tournament runs through to November 2 and includes a thrilling opening weekend after Friday's opener. Holders New Zealand face South Africa on Saturday in what many are calling a dress rehearsal for the final, while contenders England and Ireland are in action on Sunday.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont addressed an excited Tokyo crowd, promising "the very best of rugby" to match the welcome received by players and staff of the competing nations in recent days.

"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," he said.

The ceremony was inspired by Japanese festivals
Getty Images

"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."

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