JUBILANT JAPANESE FANS hunting for a keepsake following their stunning victory over South Africa have forced the closure of an official Rugby World Cup merchandise store in central London.
Eddie Jones’ men caused the biggest upset in World Cup history when they beat the two-time champions 34-32 on Saturday thanks to a last-gasp Karne Hesketh try.
The result led to an unprecedented demand for memorabilia from fans of the Brave Blossoms, with the tournament’s Oxford Street outlet having to close on Sunday as a consequence.
World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper tweeted: “We had to close #RWC2015 official merchandise store on Oxford St yesterday due to overwhelming merchandise demand from the Japanese public.”
Japan face Scotland in Gloucester on Wednesday, before South Africa take on Samoa in Birmingham at the weekend.
