England fans get a Japanese welcome 6,000 miles from home as their rugby heroes open their World Cup campaign against lowly Tonga
- Supporters dressed in both Union Jack and St George’s flags have descended on the city of Sapporo
- The clash against the Pacific Islands team is due to kick off at 11.15am UK time, but festivities have started
- Thousands of UK fans are expected to make 6,000-mile trip over the course of the month -long tournament
Advertisement
England will be cheered by an army of travelling fans in their opening bid for Rugby World Cup glory as they prepare for their showdown with Tonga in Japan this morning.
Supporters dressed in both Union Jack and St George’s flags have descended on the city of Sapporo for the national team’s first group stage match of the competition.
The clash against the Pacific Islands team is due to kick off at 11.15am UK time, but fans have been enjoying the competition’s festivities before taking their seats, making full use of the local and pop-up bars.
Fearing that overseas locals will drink the Japanese outlets dry, official tournament sponsor Heineken has increased its beer production by 80 per cent.
Thousands of UK fans are expected to make the 6,000-mile trip over the course of the tournament – which pits England as one of the favourites alongside defending champions New Zealand.
Those who have tickets for England’s opening game appeared in high spirits before kick off and were pictured clutching foamy pints with Red Rose crests pinned to their chests.
Supporters dressed in both Union Jack and St George’s flags have descended on the city of Sapporo for the national team’s first group stage match of the competition
England will be cheered by an army of travelling fans in their opening bid for Rugby World Cup glory as they prepare for their showdown with Tonga in Japan this morning.
The clash against the Pacific Islands team is due to kick off at 11.15am UK time, but fans have been enjoying the competition’s festivities before taking their seats, making full use of the local and pop-up bars
Two England fans ride the metro in Sapporo on the team’s opening match against Tonga in Japan for the Rugby World Cup this afternoon