Rugby World Cup 2019 tickets will go on sale through a phased process from January 2018 but, with demand expected to be high, the Japan 2019 organising committee is providing the opportunity for fans to register early via www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets and create their own unique account.At least 1.8 million tickets will be available for Asia’s first Rugby World Cup and with 75 per cent of the Japanese population living within an hour of a match venue, the strategy has been designed to be as accessible and affordable as possible and will reward the Japan rugby family, host city residents and Front Row/Supporters’ Club members with priority access.The key phases to purchase Rugby World Cup 2019 tickets are:

  • November 2017: Full ticketing programme announcement, including prices and timelines
  • January 2018: Supporter tour packages go on sale via official travel agents via www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours
  • January 2018: Priority sales open for Japan rugby community, host cities and Front Row members
  • February 2018: Hospitality packages go on sale via www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality
  • September 2018: General ticket sales begin via an application process
  • January 2019: Remaining tickets go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis

Japan 2019 Chief Executive Akira Shimazu said: “We are marking the two-years-to-go milestone by kicking off a nationwide programme of festival activities that culminates with the match schedule and ticketing programme announcement on 2 November.

“Our ambition is to make the tournament as accessible as possible and that starts with educating fans on when and how they can purchase Rugby World Cup 2019 tickets, which starts today. Further details will be announced on 2 November.

“Throughout the festival period we will be encouraging everyone to register via www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets so they will be the first to know all the latest ticketing news.”

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont added: “Rugby World Cup 2019 represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans in Japan to be part of one of the world’s biggest and best-loved major sports events and a special opportunity for fans around the world to visit Asia’s first Rugby World Cup.

“From 2 November, fans around the world can start to plan their Japan 2019 adventure in earnest.”

Supporters around the world and in Japan can buy travelling fan packages from January, allowing them time to make travel arrangements. These will be sold through the official travel agents appointed by Sports Travel and Hospitality (STH) Group Ltd, the exclusive official travel provider. The agents will be announced on 21 September and fans can register their interest via www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours.

In February 2018 the hospitality programme will launch via STH Japan KK, offering a range of package options, catering for a variety of requirements and budgets. In the meantime, individuals and companies can register their interest via www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality.

The priority sales programme for the Japan rugby family, host cities residents, Supporters’ Club/Front Row members will launch in January 2018 and will operate in a phased process with full details being announced in November. Japan 2019 will work with the JRFU and its clubs to make tickets available to club members who support the game week-in, week-out in the host nation. Details of the priority sales programme will be announced on 2 November.

In September 2018, one year from the tournament, general sales will begin through a public application process. Fans will be able to apply for tickets with oversubscribed matches being entered into a ballot system. Following a full tender process, Japan 2019 has appointed PIA as the official ticketing provider.

The final phase of ticketing will see any remaining tickets go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis from January 2019.

Mastercard, as a worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup 2019, is offering those who apply for tickets using their Mastercard the chance to receive a double entry in the ticketing ballot for the opportunity to secure tickets to each of the matches they apply for.