Tokyo (AFP)

Do not go out, get informed, make provisions ... The organizers of the Rugby World Cup have issued a call for caution, especially for foreign fans, while the very powerful typhoon Hagibis strikes Japan on Saturday.

"Stay in it, check regularly for the latest typhoon news, and follow the advice of local authorities," the International Rugby Federation wrote in a statement titled "Stay safe in Typhoon Hagibis".

While thousands of foreign fans are in the Hagibis-struck area, World Rugby also recommends everyone to "keep the transport documents and basic medications, in case you need to move quickly".

These councils come as central and eastern Japan, including the vast region around Tokyo, are hit by Hagibis, billed as the most powerful typhoon affecting the country in decades.

At the height of the storm, in the evening in Japan, the National Meteorological Services (JMA) forecast winds of over 200 km / h, accompanied by torrential rains.

- Some Japan-Scotland -

Typhoon Hagibis has already forced World Rugby to cancel two games scheduled for Saturday, a first since the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1987.

The New Zealand - Italy to Toyota and England - France meetings in Yokohama were canceled, and the only Ireland-Samoa match was to be played in the evening (19:45 local) in Fukuoka, on the southern island of Kuyshu, partly spared by Hagibis.

Three hours before kick-off, a strong wind was blowing in Kumamoto, AFP reporters said.

Moreover, a big uncertainty hovers over the four matches scheduled Sunday, including Japan-Scotland, scheduled to Yokohama, in the suburbs of Tokyo, decisive in the race to qualify for the quarter-finals.

"We will undertake a detailed inspection of the sites as soon as practically possible after the typhoon and news will be published as soon as this process is conducted in the morning (Sunday)," Rugby said in a statement. published on Saturday, recalling that "safety is the priority".

In case of cancellation, synonymous with draw (0-0), Japan would be qualified and Scotland eliminated.

"We are confident that the match can be played as scheduled," said a spokesman for the International Federation.

- Formula 1 touched too -

The Scottish XV federation and coaches pressured World Rugby to have the match played at any cost, in Yokohama or elsewhere, on Sunday or Monday, with the threat of recourse to the courts.

World Rugby, who described the Scottish position as "disappointing", recalled that the Scots had signed the terms of participation as the other 19 teams.

The coaching of the XV thistle and the Scottish federation were also criticized by the coach of Japan, Jamie Joseph, and by Eddie Jones, head of the XV of England.

Also, on Sunday, the United States faces Tonga in Hanazono, in the Osaka region, from where the typhoon is supposed to have disappeared Sunday, while Canada-Namibia is scheduled to Kamaishi (east) which should be the last region affected by the storm.

Finally, Wales must meet Uruguay in Kumamoto, on the South Island (Kyushu), less affected by the typhoon.

In addition to the Rugby World Cup, Typhoon Hagibis has also disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix Formula 1. The qualifications, scheduled for Saturday at the Suzuka circuit, south of Tokyo, were postponed until Sunday, before the race, conditioned by the passage of Hagibis. Like the four rugby matches on the program.

© 2019 AFP