By Rich Freeman, KYODO NEWS - Sep 17, 2017 - 12:13 | Sports, All, Rugby2019

Japan Rugby 2019 were given a public reminder Sunday that their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in two years time are not progressing as well as they should.

In a press release that showed a marked change in tone from previous communications, Rugby World Cup Tournament Director Alan Gilpin said: "There are some areas where the organizing committee has not progressed as much as we would expect by this stage."

Gilpin and his colleagues are in Tokyo for their third set of tournament review meetings this year and the goodwill feel of previous meetings has been replaced with the realization that the local organizers are struggling in certain key areas.

"The Japan Rugby 2019 Organizing Committee recognize that they need to accelerate the selection of training venues," Gilpin said. "These venues must be of a world-class standard that provide the platform for the players to perform at their best."

"We have reminded our friends at the organizing committee that there is no time to lose with two years to go."

Among the other topics reviewed this week were a detailed evaluation of all operational areas, including team services, venues, ticketing, tournament budgets and host city operations as the host nation gears up to celebrate two years to go until the Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 2019, tournament kicks off.

Events to mark the milestone commence with a dedicated festival and Webb Ellis Cup roadshow that starts in Tokyo's Shibuya district on Sept. 20 and which will see the trophy visit all 12 host cities and Top League clubs over a 46-day period.

Venues for the 48 games will be announced on Nov. 2 and Gilpin reminded organizers that time was running out.

"The next few months will be critical to the ultimate success of the tournament with the match schedule and ticketing program set to be finalized and announced before the end of the year," he said.

"All stakeholders, including government and host cities, will need to continue to play their full part to ensure a successful event that advances rugby on the domestic and global stage and shows the very best of Japan as a host to the world."