Olympics, Rugby World Cup organizers to collaborate in Japan

TOKYO (AP) - Organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics signed a collaborative agreement with the organizers of the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Wednesday, aiming to maximize the benefits and impact of the global events.

The Rugby World Cup will be staged in Japan as Tokyo is finalizing preparations to host the Summer Games for the first time since 1964.

The two organizations will share knowledge and resources in areas including security, transport, venue management, volunteer programs and anti-doping programs.

"There are many synergies between the hosting of these two events," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said. "We look forward to working with all parties to deliver on this opportunity."

The 2019 edition will be the first Rugby World Cup held in Asia.

The new Olympic Stadium was originally the centerpiece of the Rugby World Cup but construction delays meant a venue change, with the final now to be played in Yokohama.

Toshiro Muto, chief executive officer of Tokyo organizing committee, and his 2019 counterpart, Akira Shimazu, signed the agreement. Muto said the International Olympic Committee had been pushing his organization to find a way to cooperate with 2019 organizers.

Japan will be the first country to host both events in consecutive years.