World Rugby has cleared Ireland of accusations levelled by a Sunday newspaper that the IRFU applied pressure on the World Cup organisers to stop the Japan v Scotland match being rearranged in the wake of Typhoon Hagibis.

Alan Gilpin, the under-fire Rugby World Cup tournament director, showed his face in the media room at the International Stadium in Yokohama before yesterday’s crucial World Cup Pool A match between host nation Japan and Scotland.

“The safety of all involved in Rugby World Cup 2019 is our primary consideration and fans are advised not to travel to Kamaishi or the venue, which will be closed.”

Ireland’s final World Cup pool game against Samoa on Saturday was given the green light by tournament organisers in Tokyo on Thursday morning but the effects of Typhoon Hagibis could still have far-reaching consequences for Joe Schmidt’s team.

Hawkeye will make its debut in a major rugby tournament at this year’s World Cup. There are a number of benefits to using the video replay technology, as this video outlines.