England's World Cup clash with France officially called off due to Super Typhoon Hagibis
England’s World Cup group decider against France in Yokohama on Saturday has been cancelled due to the approach of Super Typhoon Hagibis, World Rugby confirmed today at 12 noon Japan time.
For the first time in nine instalments of the tournament, a match will not be played as World Rugby act in the face of a tropical storm described by the Japan Meteorological Agency as “violent”.
With all games cancelled due to weather problems registered as scoreless draws it means England will progress as Pool C winners into the quarter-finals, where they almost certainly will face Australia.
England's World Cup game against France has been cancelled. Official confirmation expected at 4am BST #RWC2019
— Duncan Bech (@DuncanBech) October 9, 2019
World Rugby looked at staging the game in Oita where England will play their QF but found the logistics were too hard so have cancelled a WC game for the first time in the tournament's 32-year history. No news yet on Scotland v Japan #RWC2019
— Duncan Bech (@DuncanBech) October 9, 2019
New Zealand’s fixture against Italy has also been called off, with the points shared between the two. New Zealand will still top Pool B despite the result and will face the undecided runner up of Pool A.
Scotland’s post-match press conference: