A record 25 million people in Japan watched their national team beat Samoa in the World Cup amidst mounting rugby fever, the global governing body says.
Twenty per cent of the entire Japanese population tuned in to Saturday’s match which the Brave Blossoms won 26-5 to record their second victory at the tournament, World Rugby said on Monday.
The new record television audience for a rugby match beat the 20.7 million in France that saw England win an epic World Cup semi final in Paris against the home country 14-9.
“This is a significant result for the game in Japan,” said World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper.
“It shows that the general population there appreciate the sport and the amazing performances of their national team over the past few weeks.
Japan will stage the World Cup in 2019 as the world body seeks ways to boost the sport’s global profile.
Japan play their final Pool B game against the United States in Gloucester on Sunday and could still qualify for the quarter finals if leaders South Africa and Scotland slip up in their games.
Coach Eddie Jones says Japan should be named “team of the tournament” if they get another win. The Samoa victory followed a stunning 34-32 triumph over South Africa.
Japan’s players are getting better – partly because they watch more rugby on their iPads than other squads, according to forwards coach Steve Borthwick.
“Each week we’re going up against teams that are much taller than us, bigger than us,” said Borthwick.
“Each time we’ve had to overcome that and they’ve done really well.
“Their work rate is outstanding and they’ve been tremendously physical,” added the 35-year-old.
“One thing is clear: people think our drive is a threat now. They’re having to commit a lot of players to stop it.”
He said the Japan squad had come to England determined to show the country both deserves respect and to host the 2019 World Cup.
“The players have taken it upon themselves to inspire the next generation of players.”
Steve
Guest
I've just been reading the FIFA report on 2010 SA. The figures for the RWC are very good. The highest rating match for Japan was the game against Paraquay from memory 45.6 million. The highest for England was 17.5 million against Germany and apparently they got 11.4 for the Wallabies game on the weekend.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I gave up on sumo when they kicked out Asashoryu, but surely it's still in decline?
ohtani's jacket
Guest
It was a 10:30 pm kickoff in Japan, which helped.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
This is exactly right lost, your description of who may have tuned in is spot on.
RT
Guest
Well said
hambone
Guest
20% of population is pretty good numbers especially considering time differences in play etc.. I see the Japanese super rugby team have started to ride the wave announcing name of team etc, if they can retain the national side into super rugby team + a coupla imports they could be very competitive and will keep the dream alive and kicking all the way through until they host in 4.. But as I've read, contractual issues with corporate teams r standing in the way.. Let's hope they sort it out. The blossoms have represented everything that's good about the game this tournament
Eddard
Roar Guru
But surely WR will see just how big the opportunity is now. They can incentivise the JRFU and other stakeholders to make significant improvements.
gatesy
Roar Guru
...and how come Eddie is leaving after the World Cup - you'd reckon they would want him in there, in some capacity.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Believe the Japan figures. Rugby has been a significant sport in Japan for close to 100 years. It has just lost its mantra of late due to years of floggings but the soul is still there. For the Samoa game, and Scotland too viewers would have included old men and their wives who have not watched a game in decades, girls who wouldn't know a forward pass from a dunk, young kids who adore soccer, wives who skip cooking and order pizza to watch being examples. Japanese love to see themselves perform on a world stage, and rugby is viewed as a good vehicle for it. It has certainly captured the nations imagination. Well done Eddie and staff and the Blossoms! BUT this current attention does not mean the sport is suddenly a contender to challenge baseball, soccer and sumo. That would take snazzy marketing and a strong growth strategy. The JRFU could not run a pub chook raffle and there lies the problem.
PhillNZ
Guest
Here's more https://global.handelsblatt.com/edition/276/ressort/european-lifestyles/article/rugby-invades-german-soccer-pitches http://www.cityam.com/225214/rugby-world-cup-2015-more-huge-crowd-numbers-over-11m-watch-wales-beat-england-and-record
PhillNZ
Guest
Well they won't. SANZAR as per the last Idiot is not there to PROMOTE THE GAME but to administer the game's rules , regulations and red tape bureaucratic BS. This was in response to promoting games played on ANZAC day. I couldn't believe what he said not to sure if they have changed their attitude.
clipper
Guest
Imagine what the figures would be if they got out of the pool stage - if Samoa can upset Scotland they stand a good chance. Either way, a fantastic lead in to 2019.
PhillNZ
Guest
also Germany reached 2.7 million viewers and the big dance is 3 weeks away. http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/scurtin/new-viewing-figures-show-rugby-world-cup-is-taking-over-the-world/ While small compared to soccer it shows the sport of rugby is growing , lets have more of the Greatest Game oops "I mean the game they play in Heaven"
Rugger
Guest
SANZAR needs to capitalize on the opportunity. And so too world Rugby.
Steve
Guest
I'm staggered by some of the viewing figures for this world cup around the world. Something like 250,000 people watched Wallabies v England in the Netherlands, 11m in England and 6.5 in France. This sport is clearly doing something right.
Rt
Guest
Pretty impressive TV audience. If the RWC is a huge hit in Japan in 2019 we might find a lot more money in the game. Super rugby TV rights would go through the roof if just a portion of that TVS audience got on board.