The whistle used in the opening round of the Rugby Women's World Cup New Zealand Tournament, which will start in October, was carried out by bicycle from the venue in Chofu City, Tokyo, where the opening round of the Men's World Cup was held three years ago.
The Rugby Women's World Cup New Zealand Tournament was originally scheduled to be held last year, but it has been postponed due to the influence of the new coronavirus and will start in October.
In order to liven up the tournament, the sponsored "World Rugby" will carry the whistle used by the referees in the opening round by bicycle from Japan, which was the previous venue, to New Zealand through men and women.
Ron Rutland and Adam Nan, both from South Africa who are biking for adventure and charity activities, are in charge.
At the Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu City, Tokyo, where the opening round of the World Cup Japan Tournament was held, the two of them left immediately by bicycle when they received whistles from Japanese national team candidates Noriko Taniguchi and Ai Hirayama.
Mr. Rutland said with a smile, "I'm glad I was able to stand on the starting line under the influence of the new coronavirus. I think there are some difficulties, but I want to deliver it while overcoming it."
In the future, the two will cycle around 14 countries in Asia and Oceania while promoting rugby, and hand the whistle directly to the referee at the opening game venue in Auckland, New Zealand on October 7, the day before the opening. It's a plan.