The 2019 Rugby World Cup has inspired millions of people as it was filled so many good deeds and random acts of kindness… take a look at all the ones we loved.
Japan – That was one of the best World Cup events we have seen in a very long time! It was filled with compassion, great supporters and fantastic sportsmanship. Over the course of the World Cup, we got to witness a number of kind acts. These acts truly inspired the world.
Japan was an incredible host and really made the atmosphere great. The Japanese took the time to pick teams to support and learned their national anthems. They embraced the international community.
There were so many good things about the 2019 Rugby World Cup so we decided to list them.
Canadian red card
Lock Josh Larsen earned himself a red card during the Canada v. South Africa pool B game. Josh was carded when he entered a ruck with his shoulder which connected with the neck of Thomas du Toit. After the game, Josh entered the Springboks’ changeroom to apologise to Thomas and wish the Bokke well on the rest of their World Cup matches.
Team Canada volunteer after Typhoon Hagibis
Typhoon Hagibis hit Kamaishi which led to the cancellation of the Canada v. Namibia game. Instead of leaving the area, team Canada returned to help the community clean up. They took shovels and set out to move rubble and dirt from the roads and drains.
Captain Tyler Ardron said in an interview with The Japan Times, that they wanted to give back because they knew if the shoe was on the other foot, the Japanese would have done the same.
“I think they would’ve done the same thing if they were in Canada, so it’s something we probably felt that we can help and we’ve got a day off and no game,”
“We were just disappointed that we couldn’t play. We’ve really targeted this game and wanted a good game out of it, but unfortunately we couldn’t,” he said. “But we’ve made the most of it. We’ve come out in the community.”
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National Anthems
From the fans down to the children accompanying the teams onto the field, every person took the time to learn the national anthems of the teams they supported on the day.
The children took it upon themselves to learn the anthems of the teams they were mascots for. It was first noticed when 8-year-old Aoki sang the Uruguay national anthem with as much passion and gusto as captain Juan Manuel.
Clean Stadiums
After each match, many fans took the time to tidy up around themselves to the stadium would remain tidy. Both Irish and Australian fans were filmed picking up litter before leaving the stadiums. This is something that is fast becoming the etiquette of being a fan at a rugby game and we love it!
Ireland fans embracing the spirit of the #RWC2019 and cleaning up the stadium after their win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ReaUtfvphW
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 3, 2019
Schalk Brits thanking a Ball Boy
When focused on winning, sometimes the rugby players only see the game and forget about those standing around the field waiting to use their skills.
One example is when Schalk Brits took the time to thank the ball boy who handed him a towel before passing the ball his way.
Schalk Brits, an all-time legend. #RSAvCAN #RWC2019
Find out where you can watch at https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sf pic.twitter.com/zB9bfdv2RL
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2019
SA fans teaching Japan fans how to sing our National Anthem
During the South Africa v. Japan match, a Japanese supporter asked a South African supporter to help him learn the South African national anthem.
Wow what a cool moment! Mzansi fans teaching Japanese fans our anthem. #JPNvRSA #GoBokke 😍Thank you @CecileBasson pic.twitter.com/kcP1ncsxYl
— 702 (@Radio702) October 20, 2019
Japan and South African supporters swap jerseys after Japan’s defeat
Japanese fans were devastated when they were eliminated from the World Cup by South Africa. In a show of true kindness, supporters swapped jerseys.
After the Quarter-final match between Japan and South Africa, two fans decided to swap jerseys.
Brilliant scenes as South Africa and Japan fans swap jerseys after their side battled it out for 80 mintues#JPNvRSA #RWC2019 #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/0ObNPSrTb1
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 20, 2019
What was your favourite moment?
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