Rugby World Cup 2019: Organisers allow fans to bring food into stadiums after service problems

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fans will now be able to bring food into Rugby World Cup stadiums in Japan after the organising committee admitted that the service at some venues was “not befitting” that of a showpiece event. “The opening weekend has demonstrated that the level of service is not befitting that of a Rugby World Cup, with some fans experiencing queueing delays and some vendors prematurely running out of some food options,” the organisers said in a statement. “With fan experience a major priority, the organising committee, in consultation with World Rugby, has taken the decision to allow fans to bring a reasonable amount of food into the venue for personal consumption from today,” the statement continued. “As per normal for a Rugby World Cup, fans will not be able to bring beverages into venues.” It is normal for fans in Japan to be able to bring their own food – and in some cases drinks – into stadiums for sporting occasions, but this was not the case for the opening seven matches across the first weekend of the World Cup.