Players and supporters at the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year have been warned they should cover tattoos in public to avoid causing offence.

Radio NZ reports, players and supporters at the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year have been warned they should cover tattoos in public to avoid causing offence.

The Daily Telegraph reports players have been asked to wear rash vests when they use public gyms or swimming pools as tattoos in Japan are associated with the Japanese mafia.

An education programme, which also highlights the need to wear different footwear indoors from outdoors, is already underway.

Meanwhile, the Rugby World Cup begins on the 20th of September 2019.