What Rugby World Cup taught their 'best fake fan'.

I was a freshman to tournament life before Rugby World Cup 2019. I joined our team in 2016 so just missed out on 2015, but the buzz was still absolutely rife within the office. Having soon minuted hours of meetings with various teams, it didn’t take me long to grasp the significance Japan had as the new nominated host nation. 

Being introduced to the concept ‘omotenashi’ was my first insight into Japanese culture, which was a traditional concept introduced at the initial bidding stage. Omotenashi in essence is a method of anticipation, both foreseeing and surpassing your visitor’s requirements. In Japan, it’s truly a mindset. It’s deep rooted in the culture, to centre around elite care regardless of expectation. It’s incredibly hard to describe as it really is about the experience, of which the majority of post-tournament reviews echoed - for guests was absolutely exceeded. 

I’ve adopted the label ‘best fake fan’. I love the solidarity of sports, I watch sport as a chameleon of my environment, I read about the off-field disciplines of various sports, I respect sports. But the rules and regulations of on-field activities really do generally escape me. I am however a huge ambassador of the industry, and the last few years completely reignited why even 'fake fans' can become consumed with the contagious tournament fever.

New traditions

20 September and opening weekend was the hammer to the ice and immediately there was a shared consensus it was going to be a tournament with a difference. Traditions began that remained consistent through the six weeks. National Anthem lyric sheets were shared throughout the stadium to show a unified respect for participating teams. Indifferent fans showcased 50:50 shirts to show support for the game rather than a team. Participating teams embodied Japanese traditions by bowing to the crowd at close of play as a symbol of gratitude. Consistently enthusiastic volunteers lined the exits of the stadiums post-match to high-5 out all fans, thanking them for contributing to the experience. 

Arguably, Japan revelled foremost in the prestige of a host nation over a primary contender, but their enthusiasm pre-dated their success. A host nation with limited immediate engagement from their domestic audience soon saw a quick turnaround. Japan v Ireland on that second weekend put the host team firmly on the map and was when the tournament truly came to life. The country had already made their tournament impact but watching the team thrive in that fixture with skill every level of fan could appreciate in awe, epitomised their ability to exceed expectations.

As the weeks progressed, it was unique to experience a tournament of such camaraderie. There was this unwavering sense that the tournament was more about union than it was patriarchy. It renewed the ethos that Rugby embraces more than talent and regional competition, it promotes values and attitudes that the host nation was already familiar with.

The Spirit of Rugby

This, as I have learned over the last few years, is the Spirit of Rugby. A phrase utilised throughout Rugby initiatives and concepts worldwide. One that came to life before the tournament began by the election of Kamaishi as one of the 12 stadiums for the tournament. Following the devastating Tsunami in March 2011, with a capacity of just 16,000 Kamaishi was the smallest but arguably most significant of stadiums. It was a choice that superseded any commercial controversy, the grant to build the stadium wasn’t just about rebuilding something physically, it was the start of rebuilding hope. That second weekend Uruguay played with passion and courage that matched the legacy of the town perfectly, a place with Rugby now literally at its heart.

That unity peaked on the second weekend of October and the impending Typhoon Hagibis. I witnessed crisis management meetings taking place with attention on not just safeguarding the tournament fixtures, but reviewing where focus and resource could be maximised for the regions in heightened threat. The majority took the cancellation of the game on 12 October with grace, with paramount concern ultimately on everyone's safety.

News-streams were populated with the collective relief effort, with the Canadian team pioneering manual labour on the ground in areas worst hit. Sport can have transformative effects and it was hard to think of a previous time when so many nations felt united. To see the union and determination of not just the country, but 20 participating nations and their followers, was nothing short of incredibly humbling.

As soon as Japan v Scotland was given the all clear on 13 October, it was evident that regardless of the result, it would be a monumental match. Whilst undoubtedly for many of us, England v New Zealand was a tournament highlight, the win for Japan against Scotland on 13 October was one that the world celebrated together and was my own personal peak. Japan completely played for their people that evening and gave unwavering hope in a time of incredible hardship. Making history as the first Asian nation to qualify for knock-outs, it echoed the power of purpose behind all teams when there is something bigger to play for.

United celebration

The last two weeks for many English fans were a daydream, it was a repeat of Football World Cup fever. The excitement to see our team exceed the stages we had earmarked completely took over. The initial anticipation as the Hakka was due to commence was inflated as England began the arrow formation. Thereafter it was a blur of tipsy euphoria at England’s formidable performance.

As pioneers of everything that engulfs Rugby, the All Blacks took the defeat with complete humility and once again blueprinted exemplary Rugby values. And whilst England’s Final defeat was truly felt, the meaning of the win to South Africa as not just a fan base but as a nation eased the bruise. It was beyond lifting the trophy, it was a moment of cultural significance which encouraged unified celebration. Something not often felt in any competitive rally.

Throughout conclusion speeches at tournament end, the theme from all teams was complete modesty and grace. Teams paid tribute to not just their own squads and management, but to each other. TJ Perenara utilised his World Rugby Award acceptance speech to congratulate Siya Kolisi on achieving something truly inspirational. Rassie Erasmus accepted Coach of the Year by acknowledging he endeavoured to lead the Springboks to All Blacks status. Emily Scarratt accepted Player of the Year noting that in Rugby it was never about chasing individual accolades, and used her headline moment to pay tribute to the notable progressive development of the commitment to female contracts ahead of 2021. 

It was an insanely hectic, busy but enchanting six weeks where barriers were broken rather than built, which even as a ‘fake fan’ I know is unique during any tournament time. It truly amplified to me the power sport can have on so many levels beyond the track or field. It was the perfect combination of Japanese Omotenashi, the Spirit of Rugby – and a solid helping of karaoke - truly at its heart.