Wales to prepare for 2019 World Cup in Kitakyushu

Wales will have a preparation camp in Kitakyushu in September ahead of the upcoming 2019 edition of the World Cup.

The decision from the Welsh Rugby Union comes as a move to help Warren Gatland's side to get used to the conditions in the country before they begin their campaign in the showpiece event.

In return, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced they will involve in a number of communal activities that includes even working with the local coaches and officials in the city.

WRU head of rugby participation Ryan Jones believes the preparation camp in the Southern Japanese city would be ideal for the national side to acclimatise to the country.

"The people of Kitakyushu could not have been more welcoming and accommodating and we have formed a very unique partnership with the city.

"The RWC presents an opportunity to build long-lasting ties and we have kicked off our relationship ahead of the RWC to maximise the support for Wales.

"The city have been incredibly supportive of the team and we are very grateful to the mayor of Kitakyushu, Mr Kitahashi, for his help in securing the training camp in the city and for throwing the weight of the region behind and in support of Wales."

Wales are positioned in Pool D along with Australia, Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay and will kick start their campaign in the 2019 World Cup on 23rd September.