2019 Rugby World Cup: 1.53 million tickets sold (85%) 50 days before kick-off

"With 50 days to kick-off the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan (on 20/09/2019), the organizers confirm that 85% of the 1.8 million tickets have been sold and more than 400,000 international visitors are expected," stated World Rugby, on 01/08/2019.

"The latest independent research confirms awareness of the tournament within the country has significantly increased in recent months to over three-quarters of the population - a staggering 98.3 million people," said World Rugby.

"The 50 days to go celebrations were marked at a special trophy tour event in Tokyo Station - one of the world’s busiest commuter hubs through which up to 800,000 people pass every day - with the iconic Webb Ellis Cup (the Rugby World Cup trophy) the star attraction. Rugby’s greatest trophy is travelling the length and breadth of the country, inspiring a whole new generation of rugby fans. Since its arrival, the Webb Ellis Cup has travelled 10,000 kilometres throughout Japan, engaging more than 100,000 people," added the body.

"1.16 million people to experience the sport across Asia, 200,000 in Japan alone" (B…