A RUGBY World Cup stadium planned just five beer kegs for this Autumn’s Japan event — instead of 1,300 that England fans sink.
Sponsors Heineken were horrified at the venue’s one tiny bar and meagre booze supply for tens of thousands of supporters.
A source said: “They were in Japan checking facilities ahead of the tournament.
“They were shocked at the small amount of beer for sale in grounds. One had just one bar and five kegs of beer.
“That wouldn’t last five minutes with rugby fans, let alone an entire game.
“Everyone’s glad it’s been spotted now. They have nearly six months to make sure it’s sorted out and no one goes thirsty at the World Cup.”
Matches at England’s 82,000-seater Twickenham Stadium usually feature 1,300 kegs of beer — enough for 160,000 pints.
But in Japan, famed for Sapporo beerfans are not heavy drinkers.
At a Japan-Australia game in November, there was so little ale supplied that parts of the Yokohama stadium, below, ran out before kick-off.
A stunned official at the ground, one of 12 World Cup sites, said: “A spectator typically drinks a glass of beer at a soccer match.
“But rugby fans consume four to six glasses per person. One bought 24 cans of beer.”
One plan now being considered is for beer vendors to mingle with World Cup fans in stadiums.
Heineken said: “Fans can rest assured of an exceptional experience.”
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The September to November showpiece is set to draw 400,000 supporters worldwide.
England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have all qualified.
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