For the first time in the history of the event, Japan will play host to Rugby World Cup. Kicking off on the 20^th September 2019, 20 teams will take part in 48 matches at 12 venues across Japan. Held once every four years, Rugby World Cup is considered the third largest global sporting event.

Following success at previous Rugby World Cups, World Rugby awarded STH the exclusive rights to operate and manage an Official Supporter Tours programme. As part of this agreement, STH appointed a limited number of Official Travel Agents (OTAs) from around the world to develop and sell match ticket-inclusive supporter tour packages in their territory. An Official Supporter Tour is a match ticket packaged with travel services and/or accommodation.

At the start of 2017, STH ran a global awareness campaign with the objective of finding and encouraging suitable travel agents to apply to become an Official Travel Agent for their local region. After a careful selection process, 21 agencies were selected as OTAs, and on the 1^st January 2018 the Official Supporter Tours Programme was launched, allowing fans to purchase ticket-inclusive travel packages.

STH acts as a brand guardian for the travel programme, approving all marketing and collateral from each Official Travel Agent and monitoring black market activity. We administer ticket allocations for each OTA and ensure that all activity is complaint and within terms of agreement.

Find out more and visit the Rugby World Cup 2019 Official Supporter Tours website here.