Rugby World Cup 2019: Organisers allow fans to bring food into stadiums after service problems

Opening weekend saw vendors running out of food options inside grounds in Japan

Fans will now be able to bring food into Rugby World Cup stadiums in Japan after the organising committee admitted that the service at some venues was “not befitting” that of a showpiece event.

There were lengthy queues for both food and drinks at stadiums during the opening weekend, with some vendors completely running out of certain food options.

In an unusual move for a major sporting event, the organisers will now allow fans to bring “a reasonable amount of food” into the stadiums, starting with Monday’s match between Wales and Georgia in Toyota City.

“The opening weekend has demonstrated that the level of service is not befitting that of a Rugby World Cup, with some fans experiencing queueing delays and some vendors prematurely running out of some food options,” the organisers said in a statement.

“With fan experience a major priority, the organising committee, in consultation with World Rugby, has taken the decision to allow fans to bring a reasonable amount of food into the venue for personal consumption from today,” the statement continued.

“As per normal for a Rugby World Cup, fans will not be able to bring beverages into venues.”

It is normal for fans in Japan to be able to bring their own food – and in some cases drinks – into stadiums for sporting occasions, but this was not the case for the opening seven matches across the first weekend of the World Cup.

The issue comes despite years of planning and warnings from World Rugby specifically about the stocking of refreshments at stadiums.

Organisers say that the inclusion of beer hawkers bringing drinks to fans in their seats, another common feature of the Japanese sport viewing experience, has meant that the demand for beverages has been met.

“Beer and soft drinks provision has been significantly increased in venues, including the provision of free water stations, and is successfully meeting requirements,” the statement added.

Before the tournament began, organisers predicted up to 100,000 glasses of beers could be consumed at each match.