Which country hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup?

Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Matches were played across 12 venues from 20 September to 2 November 2019, making Japan the first Asian host of the men's tournament.

The event was also the first Rugby World Cup held outside the traditional Tier 1 rugby nations of Australia, England, France, New Zealand and South Africa. The tournament used stadiums across the country, including venues in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Sapporo. The final took place at International Stadium Yokohama.

Japan's hosting role helped showcase rugby to a broader Asian audience, while the national team produced a landmark result. The Brave Blossoms reached the quarter-finals for the first time after winning all four of their pool matches, including victories over Ireland and Scotland.

South Africa won the tournament, defeating England 32–12 in the final. Typhoon Hagibis caused three pool matches to be cancelled, the first cancellations in Rugby World Cup history. Despite that disruption, the event became one of the most significant sporting tournaments ever staged in Japan.