A looming typhoon is threatening to impact Saturday’s clash between Ireland and Samoa in Fukuoka, which could have major implications for the Pool A standings.
The 19th typhoon of the season, named Hagibis, has formed just south of Japan and it is rapidly making its way towards the mainland.
Wind speeds of a staggering 270km/h are being predicted at the storm’s peak, and some suggest it could be classed as a ‘super typhoon’ by the time it hits the country.
Ireland are due to play Samoa on Saturday in Fukuoka, which is in southern Japan, and should the game have to be cancelled the result will go down as a 0-0 draw.
At the moment, second-placed Ireland in Pool A are three log points adrift of Japan, who next face Scotland on Sunday.
If tournament organisers fear the game may be called off, though, they may decide to move Ireland’s final pool game to another city.
‘We are currently monitoring the development of a typhoon off the south coast of Japan in partnership with our weather information experts,’ a World Rugby spokesperson said.
Update this morning – typhoon still on course to hit Kyushu on Saturday and predicted to be the most severe typhoon of the year in Japan.
Wind speeds upto 270 km/h at its peak and around 180 km/h when hitting the mainland. pic.twitter.com/AqrmWjodla
— Oliver Trenchard (@OliverTrenchard) October 7, 2019
Update: Latest JMA info 15 minutes predicts Typhoon Hagibis to have 250km/h winds on Oct 12 just south of Kyushu.
It’s forecast to affect Kyushu on Oct 13 also and therefore #WALvURU at Kumamoto – wreaking havoc with the 3-day weekend!#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/zKsQIio8En
— Oliver Trenchard (@OliverTrenchard) October 7, 2019
