JOHANNESBURG – Ren-G, the official mascots of Rugby World Cup 2019 were unveiled by the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee at a special event in Tokyo on Friday.
The mascots, which are based on traditional storytelling characters grounded in ancient Japanese culture, are said to embody rugby’s values with the purpose of spreading the spirit of the game and happiness throughout Japan and around the world.
And with strong demand for stadium and team ticket packs during the domestic rugby family application phase, the mascots will perform a central role in tournament and rugby marketing ahead of Asia's first Rugby World Cup.
Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee CEO Akira Shimazu said: “Ren-G has a very Japanese feel to it. When it was decided that Japan would play host to the Rugby World Cup, which is a first for both Japan and Asia, it brought the five values of rugby – Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline, and Respect – together with the ancient spirit of Japan and our mascot was born.
“As Ren-G embodies the values of rugby, they will spread the spirit of rugby from Japan to Asia and to the rest of the world and will help us with building excitement towards Rugby World Cup 2019.”
Introducing Ren-G, the official mascot for #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/95BKmf1chO
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) January 26, 2018
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont added: “We are delighted to welcome Ren-G to the Rugby World Cup family. It is fantastic to see rugby’s values and Japan’s traditions come together and we look forward to following their journey as they travel the length and breadth of the country sharing the spirit of rugby.”