Japan fans force Rugby World Cup shop to close after South Africa success
ByReuters
Updated 21/09/2015 at 16:12 GMT
The Rugby World Cup's official merchandise store on London's Oxford Street was forced to pull down its shutters early on Sunday, after it was beseiged by Japanese fans celebrating their team's stunning victory over South Africa at the weekend.
Japan fans celebrate as their team stun South Africa at the Rugby World Cup
Image credit: Reuters
The shop had been unable to cater to the demands of fans looking to snap up mementoes of the Brave Blossoms' 34-32 shock win over the twice champions, said Brett Gosper, chief executive of the sport's global governing body.
It is little wonder that Japanese rugby is on the crest of a wave after they pulled off what many have termed as the biggest shock in the history of the sport when they humbled the Pool B favourites in Brighton.
This year's edition of the Rugby World Cup is the biggest to date, and organisers expect it to generate commercial revenue of around £240 million.
It wasn't just Japan fans who were enthral to their team after that dramatic last-gasp win against the Springboks.
Japan face Scotland in Gloucester on Wednesday, before South Africa take on Samoa in Birmingham at the weekend.
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement