Spiritual home of rugby in Osaka reborn ahead of World Cup

Japan's oldest dedicated rugby stadium recently reopened following its refurbishment as a World Cup venue.Completed at a total cost of 7.26 billion yen ($64.3 million), the revamped Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, raised the curtain last Friday night with an exhibition match between Japan and a World XV.Despite Japan losing 31-28 under rainy skies, the match in front of 16,846 proved to be a successful Rugby World Cup 2019 dress rehearsal for the most storied of the 12 grounds to be used at the tournament.Cheering on the Brave Blossoms from the stands, 22-time Japa…READ FULL ARTICLE