Pacific Island nations Fiji and Samoa were "granted seats on World Rugby's governing council" after meeting governance criteria, with the move "potentially giving them more of a say in the way the game is run," according to Greg Stutchbury of REUTERS. The two nations, whose teams have both reached the last eight at a World Cup, will join an expanded council in May, along with representatives from Georgia, Russia and the U.S. World Rugby Chair Bill Beaumont said, "The Pacific Islands are unique, immersed in rugby heritage, and I know that the unions will bring excellent insights and make strong contributions on council" (REUTERS, 11/14).
'FOREIGNERS WILL BE SHOCKED': REUTERS' Jack Tarrant reported World Rugby advised players to cover up tattoos during next year's World Cup in Japan, but "many advocates for the body art hope the arrival of the inked athletes sparks a debate in a country with a complicated relationship with tattoos." Tattoos "form a traditional part of Polynesian culture." Tattoos in Japan, however, have been "linked with criminality since the Edo Period and are now associated with members of yakuza crime syndicates." Tokyo-based artist Yugo "wanted to speak out as that was the only way it was going to bring about change and he hoped the Rugby World Cup can help further the debate in Japan." He said, "It will be a good opportunity for the foreigners to know how strict Japan is when it comes to tattoos. I think foreigners will be shocked (REUTERS, 11/15).
