Race to Rugby World Cup 2021 Departs Tokyo
On September 19, 2019, having just cycled more than 20,000 kilometres from London to Tokyo, Ron Rutland rode into Tokyo Stadium to deliver the referee’s whistle for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2019. As he completed the last 100 meters of his epic journey, little could he have imagined that two and half years later, he would once again return to Tokyo Stadium and be on the cusp of setting off on another epic cycling adventure.
Back in 2019, Ron and his co-adventurer, James Owens rode across 27 countries, from Twickenham Stadium to Tokyo Stadium to raise money for the official charity of Rugby World Cup, ChildFund Rugby. Their efforts raised over USD $150,000 to support the organisation’s work in developing countries across Asia, educating young people in areas of leadership, problem-solving, gender equality and conflict resolution. With Race to Rugby World Cup 2019 having been such a success, Ron soon began to look towards his next cycling adventure as a way of raising more money to support ChildFund’s vital work.
“The trip in 2019 was the highlight of my life,” commented Ron. “The time we spent on the road to Japan provided so many incredible experiences, and to then spend six weeks in Japan during the Rugby World Cup was simply unforgettable. Japan delivered a World Cup that surpassed every expectation, so to be back in Tokyo Stadium today gives me goosebumps as I look back on all those incredible moments and memories from 2019.”
Race to Rugby World Cup 2021, will see Ron and his new riding companion and fellow South African, Adam Nunn depart Tokyo for a 210 day, 16,500 kilometre ride to Auckland, New Zealand to once again deliver the referee’s whistle for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022). Along the way, they will ride through 14 countries, including the Pacific Island nations of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
While needing to remain flexible due to ever changing border restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron and Adam will first ride 1,200 kilometres from Tokyo to Nagasaki, and then fly onto Hanoi in Vietnam. From Vietnam they will cycle through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and down into Malaysia. They will ride through Singapore and cross into Indonesia, make their way to East Timor and then onto Darwin in Northern Australia. From Darwin they will fly to Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to cycle around these island nations, then return to Darwin to begin the gruelling 4,000-kilometer trek through the Australian outback. They will then fly to the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, to ride up to the very north of the North Island, before heading back south to Auckland for the opening match between South Africa and France at Eden Park on Saturday, October 8.
“Our ride from Tokyo to Auckland will be another massive challenge and it will be made even more so due to the constantly changing situation regarding the pandemic. To make it in time for the opening match, we must ride between 500 to 600 kilometres per week,” continued Ron. “Our first two weeks will see us ride south through Japan down to Nagasaki on the southern island of Kyushu. Both Adam and I are really looking forward to seeing more of Japan. I have such fond memories from 2019, so I can’t wait to see and experience more of this amazing country.”
As with the 2019 Race to Rugby World Cup, Ron and Adam’s latest cycling adventure will once again be looking to raise money for ChildFund Rugby. “We have a USD $200,000 target which we’re looking to break. We’re asking people to sponsor a kilometre for USD$10 so that will get us a long way towards our target. We also want to encourage rugby communities along the way to get involved and reach out to us as we undertake the journey.”
Seeing the pair off at Tokyo Stadium were Noriko Taniguchi and Ai Hirayama, both players in the Japanese Women’s National Team, the Sakura Fifteens. Having qualified for Rugby World Cup in Pool B, Taniguchi and Hirayama will join their teammates in New Zealand and will no doubt run into Ron and Adam during the tournament.
Commenting on the Race to Rugby World Cup 2021, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union Shigetaka Mori said, “We commend Ron, Adam and ChildFund for undertaking this wonderful initiative to support young people in Asia through the positive impact of rugby. It’s a great honour for us that this epic adventure kicks off in Japan and it reminds us of the excitement and joy of our own Rugby World Cup. Ron and Adam will set off from Tokyo with the support and best wishes of Japan’s rugby family.”
Ron and Adam’s progress can be followed via the www.racetorugbyworldcup.com website and via @RaceToRWC on Twitter.
