ABSTRACT
The decision to stage the 2019 RWC in Japan represents a significant moment for the sport of rugby union as the tournament takes place outside one of the eight foundation nations for the first time. This chapter outlines the positioning of rugby in relation to understanding place and introduces the broader discussion of core and periphery in international rugby. Drawing upon literature on the globalisation of sport, and the development of mega-events, this chapter considers just how and why Japan 2019 is such an important event in the development of rugby as an international sport.
