As it happened | 2019 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony | Sport

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20 Sep 2019

Rugby World Cup opening ceremony (Getty)

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20 Sep 2019

And that's that!

The 2019 Rugby World Cup is officially declared OPEN!

Good luck to all the teams, especially the Springboks!

Up next we have the opening fixture, Japan v Russia, at 12:45 (SA time).

20 Sep 2019

Incredible scenes as Mount Fuji is beautifully depicted with all 20 team's emblems surrounding it. This is one special Rugby World Cup opening ceremony #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/CDWHKwErLJ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019

20 Sep 2019

Beaumont: "The waiting is over, the stage is set and it is now over to the teams, the fans and the people of Japan to make this the best Rugby World Cup ever."

20 Sep 2019

Beaumont: "Over the next 6 weeks unforgettable moments will be shared on and off the field as excitement sweeps this great nation."

20 Sep 2019

Beaumont: "This is the moment we have all been waiting for ... the first World Cup in Asia"

20 Sep 2019

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont now addressing the world ...

20 Sep 2019

Former All Black captain Richie McCaw now enters the fray holding the Webb Ellis Cup he won in 2015.

He returns the iconic, golden trophy and it is up for grabs once more!

20 Sep 2019

The hosts have arrived at Tokyo Stadium, ready to face @russiarugby at 19:45hrs (GMT+9) #JPNvRUS #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/JQt5jGD5Gh
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019

Meanwhile ...

20 Sep 2019

The children are now singing the Rugby World Cup anthem, 'World in Union' #feels

20 Sep 2019

South Africa gets a massive roar from the Tokyo crowd when they are announced!

20 Sep 2019

Children now wearing the colours of the 20 participating sides now on the field as each country is announced ...

20 Sep 2019

Rugby World Cup 2019 opening ceremony has begun and it is mesmerizing #RWC2019 #RWCTokyo pic.twitter.com/9D0BQaEQkQ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019

20 Sep 2019

?????????????#RWC2019 #JPNvRUS #RWC?? pic.twitter.com/2oiwu5aGvi
— ??????????? (@rugbyworldcupjp) September 20, 2019

Scenes ...

20 Sep 2019

???????#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/RnsnxEQumU
— Tsutomu Sakuraya (@Cherry87L) September 20, 2019

20 Sep 2019

???????#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/RnsnxEQumU
— Tsutomu Sakuraya (@Cherry87L) September 20, 2019

20 Sep 2019

Dancers and drummers now performing as the names of all of the host cities are being displayed on a huge mat covering the Tokyo Stadium turf ...

20 Sep 2019

We're underway ...

20 Sep 2019

Tokyo stadium looks absolutely glorious#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/d1gwQSfjjI
— Lance Santos (@Lance_News) September 20, 2019

The stage is set ...

20 Sep 2019

In the meantime, sign up for our chief writer Rob Houwing's rugby World Cup newsletter, 'Rucking with Rob Houwing'.

He'll be providing analysis, tips and insight throughout the tournament.

YOU CAN DO THAT BY CLICKING HERE

20 Sep 2019

From what we've been told, the opening ceremony is set to be quite spectacular!

That gets underway in just a few minutes ...

20 Sep 2019

The day has finally arrived! Amazing vibe in Japan as we countdown the final minutes to the #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/BHJWxygxy2
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) September 20, 2019

20 Sep 2019

LIVE | 2019 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony

20 Sep 2019

The opening ceremony is set to get underway at 11:30 (SA time).

The first match of the tournament will see hosts Japan take on Russia at 12:45 (SA time).

20 Sep 2019

The waiting is finally over! Welcome to our live coverage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony from Tokyo Stadium in Japan.

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