Armchair guide to the Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup The Webb Ellis Cup will be awarded to the winner on Saturday 2nd November (Image: David Davies/PA)

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday when hosts Japan face Russia in Tokyo.

All the games will be broadcast live on ITV, while you can also tune in to radio coverage with the BBC as well as follow the action online.

Plan your next six weeks of World Cup viewing with our handy guide below...


Rugby World Cup 2019 Guide Rugby World Cup 2019 Guide (PA Graphics)

Each of the Home Nations will be in action over the opening few days...


Friday 20th September

Japan v Russia

Pool A (Tokyo): ITV4 & BBC Radio 5 Live (11:45am BST)

Hosts Japan open proceedings in Tokyo against a Russian side tipped as one of the dark horses to make an impact.

The Cherry Blossoms - then coached by Eddie Jones - caused a seismic shock with their 34-32 defeat of South Africa in England four years ago.

Now on home soil, Japan will hoping to build momentum to ride the wave of exception through to the quarter-finals - then who knows?


Saturday 21st September

New Zealand v South Africa

Pool B (Yokohama): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (10:45am BST)

The first 'Super Saturday' of the 2019 World Cup will see some of the tournament heavyweights in action.

Defending champions the All Blacks take on the Springboks in Yokohama - but can either of them make it back to the International Stadium for the final on November 2? Game on.

Australia v Fiji

Pool D (Sapporo): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (5:45am BST)

Any early risers can watch the Wallabies take on Fiji - will the Pacific Islanders cause an upset?

France v Argentina

Pool C (Tokyo): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (8:15am BST)

Or if you want a bit of a lie in, how about a breakfast croissant? France will look to lay down a marker for Europe against the Pumas of Argentina.


Sunday 22nd September

Italy v Namibia

Pool B (Osaka): ITV & BBC 5 Live Sports Extra (6:15am BST)

Ireland v Scotland

Pool A (Yokohama): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (8:45am BST)

After Italy have kicked off Sunday's action aiming to avoid a potential shock against Namibia, attention turns to Yokohama - and you could need some strong coffee.

Ireland will be out to show why they are the world's top-ranked side against a Scotland squad facing plenty of questions.

England v Tonga

Pool C (Sapporo): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (11:15am BST)

The games continue to come thick and fast as England open their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Sapporo.

Jones' squad have built plenty of momentum on the road towards Japan - is now their time to deliver on the big stage?

Whatever the outcome, everything should be wrapped up in time for a nice Sunday roast.


Monday 23rd September

Wales v Georgia

Pool D (Toyota): ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live (11:15am BST)

After a testing few days following the departure of assistant coach Rob Howley from the camp for an alleged breach of World Rugby's betting regulations, Wales will be glad to be able to focus on match action when their campaign finally gets under way.

Wales struggled past Georgia 13-6 when the countries met in Cardiff during the 2017 autumn Tests - and will be expecting a much-improved display in Toyota to make some positive headlines.

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