Japan Rugby 2019 accepted a late application from Yokohama and the Kanagawa Prefecture, bringing the total number of bidders to 15.

Kanagawa, which lies south west of Tokyo, is the second most populous prefecture in Japan, with nine million people, 

It will now join the other 14 applications in the assessment phase with the successful cities or prefectures due to be announced in the first quarter of next year.

"While we note that the deadline is passed for applications to host matches at Rugby World Cup, we have decided to accept this bid because we want to ensure that the tournament is available to as many sports fans as possible around the country," said Akira Shimazu, chief executive of Japan Rugby 2019.

"Yokahama's bid will now be considered on its individual merits along with all the others."

Bernard Lapasset, Rugby World Cup Limited chairman, described the Nissan Stadium as a "world-famous venue" ©Getty Images



Bernard Lapasset, Rugby World Cup Limited chairman, added: "The international stadium at Yokohama is a world-famous venue and iconic for millions of soccer fans who remember when it staged the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Brazil in 2002,

"We are delighted that Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture have submitted this application as it further demonstrates how the local Governments in every part of Japan are keen to host matches at Rugby World Cup 2019 and welcome the rugby world to their cities.

"In fact, the full backing of local and national Government is essential for the tournament's success.

"Japan has a strong history of delivering world-class sports events with an excellent infrastructure, state-of-the-art venues and people who love to engage and be part of the celebration.

"Momentum is building now towards what is sure to be a wonderful occasion for our sport."

There is a large geographical spread of proposed venues from Sapporo in the north of the country right down to Nagasaki and Kumamoto in the south, meaning fans will be at the very heart of the event.

There is also a healthy mix of stadium capacities ranging from 80,000 in Tokyo to 15,000 in Kamaishi in the Iwate Prefecture.

The other applicants are Sendai, the Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya, the Shizuoka Prefecture, the Aichi Prefecture and Toyota, the Osaka Prefecture and Higashi Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Fukuoka and the Ōita Prefecture.

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