South Africa Fan Cycles 26,000 Miles in over 2 Years to Watch Japan Defeat

Spare a thought for South Africa fan Ron Rutland following his side's defeat to Japan in the epic Rugby World Cup encounter over the weekend.

The former trader cycled through Africa and Europe to make it from Cape Town to Brighton, only to see the Springboks lose 34-32 in one of the game's greatest ever upsets.

Rutland's journey of more than 26,000 miles, which began in April 2013, was in honour of friend Nix “Lettie” Haynes, who was diagnosed with cancer before the trip and has since passed away. He's raising money for the Laureus Foundation via the website fatkidonabike.com.

Whilst the defeat wasn't the result Rutland would have been looking for, he remained in good spirits after witnessing the action at the Amex Stadium.

Japan's fans have certainly gotten behind their nation following the win, with World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper revealing that the official Rugby World Cup merchandise store on Oxford Street had to be closed on Sunday due to "overwhelming demand."

Demand might well go into overdrive if the Cherry Blossoms produce another memorable upset against Scotland at Kingsholm on Wednesday.

[Twitter: @RonRutland, @brettgosper; h/t Daily Telegraph]