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A city in Japan is aiming to turn itself red for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after coming together with the Welsh rugby team for a unique relationship.

Ahead of the first tournament held in Asia, the Welsh Rugby Union and the city of Kitakyushu have teamed up on and off the field.

Warren Gatland's side will hold a training camp in Ktakyushu ahead of their tournament opener against Georgia next September, while they have already held the first of three camps as part of a far-reaching community programme that includes holding training sessions for locals and up-skilling coaches and referees in the area.

More than 600 children took part in the first batch of training sessions as the citym which has a population of just under 1million people, begins to show its support for Wales.

Hundreds of city fire and emergency response vehicles have been emblazoned with messages of support for Wales while, at the end of the first camp, hundreds of citizens wore red to support Wales as they took part in the region’s festival carnival.

“The people of Kitakyushu could not have been more welcoming and accommodating and we have formed a very unique partnership with the city,” said WRU Head of Rugby Participation Ryan Jones, who was part of the team who delivered the first programme last month.

“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.

“They want to turn their city red during the world cup and are encouraging their citizens to get behind the team in fourteen months time.

“We have just kicked off our first community programme in the city with hundreds of children, coaches and referees benefiting from sessions held across the week. For us this is an opportunity to really deliver on legacy and to do it ahead of time.

“The benefit isn’t only being felt by the participants but also but our staff who were on the ground delivering the programme. For them it is a great experience and career development and the effect of that will be felt back in Wales within their clubs, schools and communities.

“We are delighted to have formed this relationship and to be leading the way in terms of engagement and legacy in Japan.”