Into the quarters

As the top two teams from each pool progress into the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Wales superfan and people change manager, Mike Price, reflects on his recent trip to the land of the rising sun.

Mike and his daughters were in Japan for the first two games of Wales’ World Cup campaign against Georgia and Australia. Mike’s partner’s brother is none other than Wales flanker, Josh Navidi, one of the most recognisable figures in Welsh rugby with his trademark dreadlocks and heroics on the international stage.

Mike’s two children, Ela, 12 and Alys, 9, were granted special leave from school, based on the fact that the trip would be culturally beneficial, and Mike made sure all their Japan bucket list requests were ticked off.

‘We started our adventure in Nagoya where we visited Nagoya Castle and saw the first game against Georgia. We then moved to Osaka, where we went to Universal Studios before travelling to Kyoto. Here we visited some wonderful temples and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. We also saw lots of monkeys in their natural mountain habitat.

‘We spent the rest of our holiday in Tokyo, where we saw the Australia game. We also visited Tokyo Disneyland as well as some of the amazing attractions Tokyo has to offer, including the incredible TeamLab Borderless Light Museum.’

‘The whole holiday was incredible. The Japanese are such a polite, helpful and welcoming people. 15,000 Japanese fans turned up for the first Wales training session alone and they sold out of Welsh tops in the first week, such was their passion for the tournament.

‘My daughters had a great time with their highlights being the monkeys, the sushi, and the theme parks we went to! But they also loved the cultural elements I’m sure! I’ve now provisionally booked flights for the final just in case Wales get there. I plan to go out for a long weekend if that dream happens.

‘Good luck to the rest of England, Ireland and Scotland of course, but not too much obviously!’