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Rugby World Cup 2015 declared biggest and best Tournament to date

02/11/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14448559

 
For immediate release: Sunday 1 November 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
Rugby World Cup 2015 declared biggest and best Tournament to date
  • World Rugby declare Rugby World Cup 2015 biggest and best with record attendances, reach and competitiveness
  • A sell-out stadium of 80,125 fans attended Twickenham Stadium to see New Zealand crowned Rugby World Cup champions for a third time 
  • Final watched by estimated 120 million across the globe
  • Total attendance of 2,474,584 across the six week Tournament
  • Over one million fans visit Official Fanzones across the Tournament
  • Most competitive Tournament to date with 20 point average winning margin
  • Tournament saw 1.6 million train passengers and 1.4 million road users
  • 6,000 members of The Pack complete 22,832 volunteer shifts and 238,995 volunteering hours
  • England Rugby 2015 confirms £80 million surplus and £15 million RFU target surplus reached
  • Thrilling last two matches characterise one of the closest fought Tournaments to date
  • Organisers praise all those who help to deliver 48 fantastic matches and record levels of engagement
New Zealand were crowned Rugby World Cup Champions in front of a sell-out Twickenham Stadium last night as the curtain came down on what World Rugby have declared the biggest and best Rugby World Cup.

Tournament owners, World Rugby, and Tournament Organisers, England Rugby 2015, today hailed the success of the biggest Rugby World Cup ever which saw records broken on and off the pitch. This included tickets sales of over 2.47 million, an official Fanzone attendance of over 1 million, Wembley Stadium recording two consecutive Rugby World Cup attendance records and Bryan Habana equalling Jonah Lomu's Rugby World Cup try scoring record with three tries against the USA during six weeks of competitive and compelling Rugby.

The pool stage saw fans pack into the venues to witness some of the most competitive matches in any Rugby World Cup. Highlights included Japan claiming one of the greatest upsets in sporting history by beating South Africa and Romania staging the biggest-ever comeback with their win over Canada. The knock-out stages saw some thrilling Rugby which included Argentina's pulsating win over Ireland in the quarter-finals and New Zealand's narrow two point win over South Africa in the semi-finals.

As the curtain came down on a spectacular Tournament, World Rugby and England Rugby 2015 paid tribute to the 20 teams, 19 match officials, 6,000 volunteers, 11 Host Cities, 13 match venues, 42 Team Bases, 15 Fanzones and millions of fans who have played a crucial part in delivering a successful and exciting Rugby World Cup 2015.

Over 2.47 million tickets were sold across all 48 matches, including over 100,000 child tickets, through official channels with an average of 98% of tickets sold across all venues. This included 120,000 tickets that were purchased through the Tournament's official resale service, a safe and secure platform through which fans could sell their unwanted tickets to other fans at face value. The final ticket breakdown for the Tournament was as follows:
  • 85% sold to fans through public sale
  • 6% sold to fans through supporter tour packages
  • 3% sold to fans through hospitality packages
  • 6% sold through commercial programme
England Rugby 2015 has generated over £250 million in ticket revenues, delivering an £80 million surplus to World Rugby and a £15 million surplus to the RFU to be invested into the development of Rugby.

Record numbers of spectators and viewers have engaged with the Tournament. Rugby World Cup 2015 has welcomed millions of fans to Host Cities, Fanzones and venues, including an estimated 460,000 fans travelling from overseas. Over 1 million fans enjoyed the 15 official Fanzones, spread across the country in each host city plus Rugby, the birthplace of the Game, and London's Trafalgar Square. The Final was enjoyed by an estimated audience of 120 million and the Tournament's highlight viewing figures included a record TV audience of 25 million in Japan to watch the match against Samoa and 11.6 million viewers for England v Wales on ITV - the largest Rugby audience in the UK since the 2007 Final and the highest peak audience for a sporting event since the 2014 Football World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2015 was the most digitally engaged Tournament to date with social media activity exceeding the whole of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup 2011 during the 2015 pool stages. Throughout the Tournament, #RWC2015 was used twice a second for the duration of the event and over 5 million times in total, there were over 270 million video views on all social media channels, the website attracted 25 million unique users and the official app was downloaded 2.8 million times with use in 204 nations. In a first for Rugby World Cup, fans could also engage with the Tournament through augmented reality via the ticket design. Over 300,000 used the Blippar app to access unique content by scanning their ticket including match previews, view from your seat and interviews. The introduction of giant Twitter screens at Twickenham Stadium also allowed over 2,000 fans per day in venue and across the world to display their messages of good luck to the teams. 

World Rugby Chairman, Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup 2015 will be remembered as the biggest Tournament to date, but I also believe that it will be remembered as the best. England 2015 has been the most competitive, best-attended, most-watched, most socially-engaged, most commercially-successful Rugby World Cup. But this special Rugby World Cup has been about much more than numbers, it has been about the amazing atmosphere in full and vibrant stadia, the excitement around the host nation and in Cardiff, the unforgettable moments played out by the world's best players and the friendships that have been created along the way – the very best of our sport has been on display.

"I am a believer that great people make great events and I would like to thank the Organisers England Rugby 2015, the Host Union the Rugby Football Union, Rugby World Cup Limited, the Host Cities and venues for delivering a special Tournament that has had the teams and fans at heart, but above all, I would like to pay tribute to the volunteers and fans who got behind all 20 teams and who have made this such a special event, the best to date.”

England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Stephen Brown, said: ”We congratulate New Zealand on their win over Australia to be crowned Rugby World Cup 2015 champions. The spectacular Final was a fitting way to conclude the six week Tournament which has been enjoyed by millions both here in England and across the globe. To deliver the biggest and best Tournament to date is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank all those who have made Rugby World Cup 2015 so special, from the players to the fans, our venues, cities and Team Bases and all our volunteers, staff and stakeholders. Rugby World Cup 2015 has truly created unforgettable memories for all involved and been a celebration of Rugby; from packed venues with over 2.47 million tickets sold, to over 1 million fans enjoying the Official Fanzones, and we hope that the Tournament has inspired many to be part of this fantastic Game beyond 2015.”

The 6,000 volunteers who formed 'The Pack' have been the faces of the Tournament, welcoming millions of fans to England and to the Game of Rugby. Whether it was directing fans from train stations or entertaining the crowds at Fanzones and venues, their enthusiasm help deliver a true celebration of Rugby. Across the Tournament the 6,000 members of The Pack delivered 22,832 volunteer shifts equating to 238,995 volunteering hours, demonstrating the important role they played in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015.

A total of 42 Team Bases across England and Wales were used during the Tournament, providing the 20 teams with top class sporting facilities. During the knock-out phases, the eight teams were hosted at four Team Bases in and around London and four in and around Cardiff. During the semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final, the four London Team Bases were used – all four for the semi-finals, and two each for the Bronze Final and Final.

Transport providers played a key role in and around the Host Cities helping to get fans to and from the matches, including 1.6 million train passengers and 1.4 million road users. Special train services were put in place for 250,000 journeys and 300,000 shuttle bus movements from city centres to venues. The Rugby World Cup 2015 Journey Planner was used 550,000 times to help fans plan their match day experience.

In addition to the Tournament, the Festival of Rugby 2015 was a great success with over 1 million people around the country joining in with over 1,000 different events to celebrate Rugby's biggest year. Highlights included the International Defence Rugby Competition, the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Community Festival, Rugby's Got Balls, supported by Rugby Borough Council featuring large-scale rugby sculptures on display across Rugby town and a HAKA challenge in Manchester.
VIDEOS: SA v ARG flashbacks, World Rugby PLAYER of the year nominees announced and Handre Pollard exclsuive

VIDEOS: SA v ARG flashbacks, World Rugby PLAYER of the year nominees announced and Handre Pollard exclsuive

31/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14383583

                

As I'm sure you know South Africa take on Argentina in the bronze final today! Here's a classic match from '07. Hoping for tries galore tonight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiaGVkZNet4&index=1&list=PLRIjnHtGua1gm0dV0ClV6XHTms7Q53SS3

Bear with us as we'll have highlights, anthems, fans, celebrations and much more from the game during and after the game.

The greatest stunning tries from the bronze finals over the year. There's some beauties here, check out '07 and '11 in particular.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjdg8m-n6Xk&list=PLRIjnHtGua1gm0dV0ClV6XHTms7Q53SS3&index=2

The 6 nominees for World Rugby player of the year have been announced, check out their best moments here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkIKLSwcDuw&list=PLRIjnHtGua1gm0dV0ClV6XHTms7Q53SS3&index=3

And find out who is in the running for rugby coach of the year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McEAkqZNGWU&list=PLRIjnHtGua1gm0dV0ClV6XHTms7Q53SS3&index=5

And we have the small matter of the Rugby World Cup final tomorrow!

Melbourne Cup

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Red Arrows set for Twickenham Stadium flypast at Final of Rugby World Cup 2015

Red Arrows set for Twickenham Stadium flypast at Final of Rugby World Cup 2015

30/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14371689
 
For immediate release: Friday 30 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
Red Arrows set for Twickenham Stadium flypast at Final of Rugby World Cup 2015
  • Red Arrows set for flypast before start of Final
  • The Final and Bronze Final sold out
  • Fanzones to screen final matches
  • Twickenham Stadium to have special look and feel for the Final
  • Coca-Cola London Eye to light up in colours of Rugby World Cup champions
The world famous Red Arrows are set to do a flying visit during the final sell out weekend of Rugby World Cup 2015.

Tomorrow (31/10) nine of the iconic aircraft will treat fans in Twickenham Stadium and Richmond and Trafalgar Square Fanzones to a special flypast prior to the start of the Final between New Zealand and Australia that kicks off at 1600. They will flyover Trafalgar Square at 1553 and then over the stadium and Richmond Fanzone at 1555 as the teams line up for the anthems.

The finalists are set to battle it out for Rugby's greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, in front of a sell-out crowd of 80,125. Today (30/10) at 2000 South Africa and Argentina are set to compete in the Bronze Final at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in front of a sell-out crowd of 56,000.

For fans not going to the stadium, they will be able to watch both matches live in Fanzones. The Bronze Final will be screened at the Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones. The Final will be screened in Trafalgar Square, Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones. For more information please click here.

Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, Stephen Brown, said: "We wanted the Tournament to be a celebration of Rugby and it has been. From the North East to the South West we have had vibrant crowds in sold out venues. As we enter the final weekend, we are set for two great matches which will be watched by sell-out crowds as well as a captivated audience in Fanzones and in homes around the world.”

For fans attending the Final at Twickenham Stadium, the spectacular Rugby on show will be accompanied by the most exhilarating Rugby World Cup atmosphere seen yet. The stadium will have a new look and feel, featuring images of the Webb Ellis Cup alongside Rugby World Cup 2015 and England 2015 brand elements in a celebratory gold, while retaining the vibrant official Tournament colours, both around the exterior and within the stadium bowl. The dressing programme will extend across the stadium exterior, bars and concourses, the inner bowl, the streets surrounding the stadium and on the pitch, marking the culmination of a truly memorable Rugby World Cup.

Two giant shirts of the competing finalists have already been positioned next to the iconic statue on the south-east corner of Twickenham Stadium, giving fans the opportunity to capture images and build their own unforgettable memories in advance of the Final. Inside and across the exterior of the stadium, both competing finalists are celebrated with fan imagery and the union crests.

At the end of the Final the Coca-Cola London Eye, which has been branded throughout the Tournament with the flags of the participating nations and is currently lit in the colours of New Zealand and Australia, will switch to the full colours of the winning nation, lighting up London and celebrating the winners of Rugby World Cup 2015.
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LIVE SCREENINGS OF THE FINAL OF RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

LIVE SCREENINGS OF THE FINAL OF RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

29/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14320553

 
For immediate release: Wednesday 28 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
LIVE SCREENINGS OF THE FINAL OF RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The Final of Rugby World Cup 2015, which will see New Zealand take on Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31 kick off 1600, will be screened live in the Exeter, Richmond, Rugby and Trafalgar Square Fanzones.
 
Fans are encouraged to plan their day and enjoy the build-up to the matches, including food and drink stalls, sponsor activations, big screens and Rugby activities ahead of the main event, kicking off at 16:00, in one of the official locations. Entry is free at all the official Fanzones and will be the place to be for those without match tickets as thousands of fans gather together to celebrate Rugby.
 
The Trafalgar Square Fanzone, which opened last weekend and has already welcomed 45,000 visitors, will host Rugby-themed activities, sponsor attractions and entertainment, culminating in a live screening of the Final in a unique setting. Before and after the match action, Trafalgar Square will be the focus of a range of celebrations to mark the occasion, including a live MC, link-up with Twickenham Stadium and a few surprises for the fans following the Final.
 
In other parts of the country – the Old Deer Park Fanzone in Richmond, just down the road from Twickenham Stadium -  will also be open from midday on Saturday. Partially undercover with a large marquee, four giant screens, bars, sponsor activations, a funfair and other activities, there is something for everyone. Over 150,000 people have already enjoyed the atmosphere and there is more on offer this weekend with Rugby guests, live music and DJs on the Hub stage before, during and after the match.  

The hugely popular Fanzones in Exeter and Rugby will also welcome thousands of visitors to watch the match and be part of this historic occasion when either New Zealand or Australia will become the first-ever team to win three Rugby World Cups. In addition Exeter, Richmond and Rugby will all screen the Bronze Final between South Africa and Argentina live from The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, kick off 2000.
  
The Tournament has already seen over two million spectators at the 13 match venues, and over 900,000 fans have also visited the official Fanzones located in each host city, as well as in Rugby, the birthplace of the game. The semi-final weekend saw over 60,000 people visit the official Fanzones and more are expected this weekend. Click here for more on Fanzones.
 
Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, Stephen Brown, said: "Fanzones across the country have been an integral part of the celebrations surrounding Rugby World Cup 2015 and Exeter, Rugby, Richmond and Trafalgar Square will be buzzing on Saturday. The atmosphere promises to be incredible with fans of these two great sides and many more mixing together in the true spirit of the Game.”
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Prince Harry confirmed to present the Webb Ellis Cup at the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015

Prince Harry confirmed to present the Webb Ellis Cup at the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015

28/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14285570
 
For immediate release: Tuesday 27 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
Prince Harry confirmed to present the Webb Ellis Cup at the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015
  • Prince Harry, Honorary President of England Rugby 2015, confirmed to present the Webb Ellis Cup to the winners of Rugby World Cup 2015 at Twickenham Stadium on October 31
  • Fans should monitor tickets.rugbyworldcup.com for any official resale or additional tickets for the Bronze Final and Final
  • Live screenings of the Bronze Final and Final in official Fanzones
Prince Harry, Honorary President of England Rugby 2015, will join World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset and RFU President Jason Leonard to present the Webb Ellis Cup to the winner of Rugby World Cup 2015 at the Final on Saturday, October 31, at Twickenham Stadium.
 
New Zealand and Australia will battle for Rugby's greatest prize, following the Bronze Final between South Africa and Argentina played at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the eve of the Final (October 30).
 
In his role as Honorary President, Prince Harry spoke at the opening ceremony, ahead of the first match on September 18, and will close the Tournament with the presentation of the coveted Webb Ellis Cup to the winning captain alongside Bernard Lapasset and Jason Leonard.
  
Fans should monitor tickets.rugbyworldcup.com for any official resale or additional tickets for the Bronze Final and Final.
 
Fans without tickets to Rugby World Cup 2015 can still be part of the Tournament this weekend, enjoying live screenings at a number of official Fanzones including Trafalgar Square, Richmond, Rugby and Exeter. Click here for more.
 
Fans unable to use their tickets for these matches should utilise the official resale service at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com, selling safely, securely and at face value direct to other fans.
 
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FESTIVAL OF RUGBY 2015 ENTERS ITS FINAL WEEK

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY 2015 ENTERS ITS FINAL WEEK

28/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14285126
 
For immediate release: Tuesday 27 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015 and the Rugby Football Union (RFU)
FESTIVAL OF RUGBY 2015 ENTERS ITS FINAL WEEK
  • Festival of Rugby 2015 now in its final week – find events in your area viawww.festivalofrugby2015.com
  • Various events will take place across the UK this week including the International Defence Rugby Competition final, Milton Keynes RFC Return to Rugby evening and a Rugby Family Sports Day at Grassmore Sports Club
  • 1,000 Festival of Rugby 2015 events have taken place so far, with over 1 million participants across the UK
  • Media and content opportunities available at Festival of Rugby 2015 events
The Festival of Rugby 2015, which launched on June 10 (100 days to go) is now in its final week and to date has seen 1,000 rugby-themed events attended by over 1 million people across the UK in celebration of rugby's biggest year.
 
There are still many ways for people to join in the Festival as it comes to a close with events including the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC). Soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in 12 teams from nine nations are competing for the title of the world's best armed forces rugby team and the Arthur Harrison VC Cup. The final is set to take place tomorrow, Wednesday October 28, at the home ground of Harlequins RFC, the Twickenham Stoop. For more details click here.
 
Other events this week include: Milton Keynes RFC hosting a 'Return to Rugby Evening' on Thursday October 29 for players inspired by recent rugby events and looking to dust off their boots and get stuck in; Bradford and Bingley RFC inviting the local community to come down and join them as they take on West Park Leeds on Saturday October 31; Grassmore Sports Club in Cockermouth holding a Rugby Family Sports Day on Saturday October 31 with family touch rugby, kicking competitions, a BBQ and many more exciting activities for all of the family to get involved with; and Clements Hall Leisure Centre in Hockley inviting children between the ages of five and eight to come and have a go at tag rugby on Thursday October 29.
 
Highlights from the Festival of Rugby 2015 to date include the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Community Festival, including the first ever Wheelchair Youth Tournament at the famous Copperbox Arena in London; Rugby's Got Balls, supported by Rugby Borough Council featuring large-scale rugby sculptures on display across Rugby town; a HAKA challenge in Manchester enlisting the help of Street Shakers, leaders in the field of youth and community sports and dance to encourage people to submit videos of them doing the Haka; a celebratory rugby match to mark reaching the milestone of the 1,000th Festival of Rugby event; and a tag rugby festival for primary schoolchildren at East London Rugby Club.
 
Stephen Brown, Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, said: "Now in the final week, we are delighted to see so many events still taking place across the country as part of the Festival of Rugby 2015. The Festival has been a great celebration of the rugby, engaging with over 1 million people at 1,000 events across the UK and we hope that the programme has inspired people to get involved in rugby beyond 2015. "

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger added: Festival of Rugby 2015 has been a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and to celebrate this special year for rugby. Rugby clubs up and down the country have really embraced the festival spirit, reaching out to their local communities to show them everything the game has to offer, both on and off the pitch. We want people to give rugby a try and I would encourage everyone to find a Festival of Rugby event near them this week to join in the fun.”

This week is the final chance to be a part of Festival of Rugby, which runs until October 31. Go towww.FestivalofRugby2015.com to submit your event or to find events in your area.
Editors Notes
Upcoming Festival of Rugby 2015 events
  • If you wish to capture content at an event, please contact the relevant event organisers in advance.
RETURN TO RUGBY AT MILTON KEYNES RFC
DATE AND TIME:     October 29, 1900-2030
LOCATION:               Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion, Milton Keynes
ABOUT:                     Return to Rugby at MKRFC is a coaching and playing programme that provides a safe and enjoyable reintroduction to rugby for players who might wish to return to the game
CONTACT:                Colin Wilderspin - colin.m.wilderspin@gmail.com
 
THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE RUGBY COMPETITION 2015 
DATE AND TIME:     October 27 - 29
LOCATION:               The Twickenham Stoop Stadium, Twickenham
ABOUT:                     The International Defence Rugby Competition 2015 (IDRC) pits twelve military teams against each other to decide the Armed Forces rugby world champions. The inaugural IDRC was held in Australia and New Zealand during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and was won by the British Army
CONTACT:                Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Cottee -  tcottee@asbc.uk.com
 
IT COULD HAVE BEEN US!
DATE AND TIME:     October 31, 1300
LOCATION:               Bradford & Bingley Sports Club, Bingley. Players from Bradford & Bingley and West Park Leeds will lock horns on the 1st XV pitch at 13:00.
CONTACT:                Phil Greaves -  thebeesphilgreaves@hotmail.com
 
RUGBY FAMILY SPORTS DAY
DATE AND TIME:     October 31, 12:00
LOCATION:               Grassmoor Sports Complex, Cumbria
ABOUT:                     A family sports day consisting of Family Touch Rugby, Goal Kicking Competitions, Family Tug of War, Golf and taster Archery. There will be a pop up restaurant, bouncy castle and a BBQ
CONTACT:                Chris Wright - wrightsportservices@gmail.com
 
TAG RUGBY, COME AND TRY! 
DATE AND TIME:     October 29 09:00 – 11:00
LOCATION:               Clements Hall Leisure Centre, Essex.
LOCATION:               The RFU, Fusion lifestyle and Rochford Rugby Club are hosting a two hour 'come and Try' Tag rugby session for children aged 5-8 to celebrate rugby's showpiece event England
CONTACT:                Clare Popperwell - rochford-fitness@fusion-lifestyle.com
 
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Rugby World Cup 2015 Final confirmed between New Zealand and Australia

Rugby World Cup 2015 Final confirmed between New Zealand and Australia

27/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14255049
 
For immediate release: Monday 26 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
Rugby World Cup 2015 Final confirmed between New Zealand and Australia
  • New Zealand will face Australia in the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015 at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, kick off 1600 
  • South Africa will face Argentina in the Bronze Final at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on October 30, kick off 2000
  • Over 2.4 million tickets sold for Rugby World Cup 2015 to date
  • Fans encouraged to monitor tickets.rugbyworldcup.com for any official resale or additional tickets for the Bronze Final and Final
  • Final Team Bases are confirmed for the four remaining teams
  • Fans can enjoy live screenings of the Final in the central London Trafalgar Square Fanzone as well as in Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones
  • Images available here
The Final of Rugby World Cup 2015 was confirmed last night following a thrilling weekend of semi-finals at Twickenham Stadium. New Zealand will face Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, kick off 1600 in the eighth Rugby World Cup Final.

Images available here.
 
The Bronze Final, hosted at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on October 3, kick off 2000, will be contested by South Africa and Argentina following the semi-final results: South Africa 18 – 20 New Zealand and Argentina 15 – 29 Australia.
 
Over 160,000 fans attended the two semi-finals at Twickenham Stadium, bringing the total Tournament attendance to over 2.3 million people ahead of the final weekend.
 
Over 2.4 million tickets have been sold to date for Rugby World Cup 2015 making it the largest Tournament, exceeding France 2007's 2.25 million tickets sold. Fans are encouraged to monitortickets.rugbyworldcup.com for any official resale or additional tickets for the Bronze Final and Final throughout the week.
 
Over 60,000 people enjoyed the semi-final atmosphere in the Trafalgar Square, Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones this weekend, bringing the total Tournament Fanzone attendance to over 900,000. Next weekend, fans will be able to enjoy the build-up with Exeter, Richmond and Rugby Fanzones set to screen the Bronze Final and Final. The new Central London Fanzone in Trafalgar Square, which welcomed over 45,000 people in its opening weekend, will also screen the Final live on October 31. More details on the Fanzones can be found here.
  
England Rugby 2015 has also confirmed the Team Bases that will be used in the final week:
 
New Zealand – Pennyhill Park
Australia – The Lensbury and St Mary's University
South Africa - Surrey Sports Park
Argentina – London Irish
 
For more on team bases click here.
 
England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Stephen Brown, said: "Congratulations to New Zealand and Australia on reaching the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015. A celebration of Rugby has been enjoyed throughout the country and the watching world and, after another weekend of compelling Rugby, all eyes move to the Bronze Final and Final and we look forward to hosting the two matches at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Twickenham Stadium. We encourage fans to monitortickets.rugbyworldcup.com where any official resale tickets will be posted but for anyone without a ticket the official Fanzones, which have hosted over 900,000 fans, are the place to be. The Central London Fanzone in Trafalgar Square proved a great success during its opening weekend and fans can enjoy a live screening there on Saturday along with screenings in the Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones.”

As well as a limited number of tickets currently on sale for the Bronze Final and Final viatickets.rugbyworldcup.com, tickets are also available via the official supporters' tours and hospitality programmes. More details on these programmes can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing. Fans should only buy tickets from official soruces. For more information please visitwww.rugbyworldcup.com/buyofficial. 
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London lights up ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 Final

London lights up ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 Final

26/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14225018

 
For immediate release: Sunday 25 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
London lights up ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 Final
Following a weekend of thrilling semi-finals at Twickenham Stadium, the finalists for Rugby World Cup 2015 have now been confirmed.
 
New Zealand will face Australia at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday October 31, KO 1600.
 
As the two teams were confirmed, following New Zealand's 20-18 victory over South Africa on Saturdayand this evening's 29-15 win by Australia over Argentina, the Coca-Cola London Eye lit up London in the colours of the two Rugby World Cup 2015 finalists. On Saturday (31/10) the London Eye will change again to the full colours of the winning team.
 
For images of the London Eye in the colours of the two finalists please click here.

Image caption: The Coca-Cola London Eye lights up London in the colours of the two Rugby World Cup 2015 finalists: New Zealand and Australia. The Final of Rugby World Cup 2015 will be played at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday October 31, KO 1600. 
 
In advance of the Final, the Bronze Final will take place on Friday October 30 at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Pak, KO 2000 between South Africa and Argentina.
 
Limited tickets are available now for both matches via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Hospitality and supporter tour packages are available via www.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing. Fans should only buy tickets from official sources. For more information visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/buyofficial. 
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RUGBY WORLD CUP 2003 WINNER AND RFU PRESIDENT JASON LEONARD JOINS SCHOOL TAG RUGBY

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2003 WINNER AND RFU PRESIDENT JASON LEONARD JOINS SCHOOL TAG RUGBY

25/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14198658
 
For immediate release: Saturday 24 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015 and the Rugby Football Union (RFU)
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2003 WINNER AND RFU PRESIDENT JASON LEONARD JOINS SCHOOL TAG RUGBY AFTERNOON IN EAST LONDON AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL OF RUGBY 2015
Jason Leonard meets Tower Hamlets schoolchildren at the Tag Rugby Festival
Rugby World Cup 2003 winner and President of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Jason Leonard paid a surprise visit to the Queen Mary University Tag Rugby Festival at East London Rugby Club yesterday as part of the Festival of Rugby 2015.

The Tag Rugby Festival, which involved 10 primary schools from the London borough of Tower Hamlets, saw over 100 children enjoying an afternoon of Tag rugby organised by students from Queen Mary University and RFU coaching staff. This initiative came from the idea to take rugby to local schools that had little or no contact with the sport, with student volunteers delivering free rugby sessions to over 300 school children over a three week period. 

Jason Leonard said: "Festival of Rugby 2015 has really helped to bring a sense of excitement and celebration to the country, with more people able to get involved with rugby for the first time. There has been such a wide range of events taking place and with just one week left until the end of Festival of Rugby 2015, there's still time for people to join in the party and get involved in our great game.

"Today's Tag Rugby Festival really shows how the Festival of Rugby has inspired people to put on events in cities across the country, often linking in with local rugby clubs, bringing people together to create a really fun and enjoyable atmosphere.” 

Paddy Vasey, President of Queen Mary University Rugby Club, said: "This all came about from an idea to run a sports inclusion event in Tower Hamlets, a borough with little or no contact with rugby. It has been so good to see the children having lots of fun playing the sport I love and including our event as part of the Festival of Rugby has made it really special.”

As well as the Tag Rugby Festival, there was a coaching session and round robin tournament for 40 pupils from local secondary schools that are part of the RFU's All Schools programme.

The Festival of Rugby 2015, which has been running since June 10, has seen 1,000 rugby-themed events attended by over 1 million people across the UK, involving them all in rugby's biggest year. Any event with a link to rugby could become part of the nationwide festival which runs until October 31.

Highlights from the Festival of Rugby 2015 have included: The International Defence Rugby Competition with the UK represented by the Royal Navy, the  Army and the Royal Air Force and other nations sending their combined teams;  Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Community Festival, including the first ever Wheelchair Youth Tournament, taking place at the famous Copperbox Arena in London; Rugby's Got Balls, supported by Rugby Borough Council featuring large-scale rugby sculptures on display across Rugby town; a HAKA challenge in Manchester, enlisting the help of Street Shakers, leaders in the field of youth and community sports and dance to encourage people to submit videos of them doing the Haka; and a celebratory rugby match to mark reaching the milestone of the 1,000th Festival of Rugby event.

Stephen Brown, Managing Director of England Rugby 2015 commented: "The Festival of Rugby 2015 has been a great celebration of the sport, with over 1  million people participating in over 1,000 events up across the UK. We've seen bake sales, choirs, dance groups, rugby clubs and cities hosting rugby themed events to celebrate rugby's biggest year and, with just over one week to go until the end of the campaign, this is the last chance to get involved in the festivities.”

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger added: "Festival of Rugby 2015 is a great success and has given people across the country the opportunity to join in and be part of a very special celebration of rugby.

"In an historic year for rugby in this country, we have built on strong foundations to increase the appeal and reach of rugby, to give many more people the opportunity to get involved and to enjoy a game that has so many benefits, both on and off the field.

"This event today is an example of how we can reach out to young people who would otherwise have little or no experience of rugby. Our aim is to give as many young people as possible the chance to enjoy all the game has to offer and that's so important for the legacy of the game to live on.”

There's still a chance to be a part of Festival of Rugby, which runs until October 31. Go towww.FestivalofRugby2015.com to submit your event or to find events in your area.
 Notes
The following schools took part in the festival:
Wellington Primary
Sir John Cass Primary
Blue Gate Fields Junior School
Christ Church Primary School
The Hague Primary
Stebon Primary
Malmesbury Primary School
Globe Primary School
Olga School
Stepney Greencoat Primary
 
Other schools involved in the local rugby programme were:
Marion Richardson School
St. Lukes Primary School
Arhem Wharf Primary School
Lawndale Junior School
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Central London Fanzone kicks off in Trafalgar Square adding to week-long celebration for Rugby World Cup 2015

Central London Fanzone kicks off in Trafalgar Square adding to week-long celebration for Rugby World Cup 2015

23/10/2015, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 14134372
 
For immediate release: Thursday 22 October 2015
Issued on behalf of England Rugby 2015
Central London Fanzone kicks off in Trafalgar Square adding to week-long celebration for Rugby World Cup 2015
  • Trafalgar Square transforms into official Fanzone for Rugby World Cup 2015
  • Central London Fanzone open for the semi-finals and Final of the Tournament, including live screening of the Final
  • A further opportunity for fans from across the country and the world to enjoy the celebrations and atmosphere of the biggest ever Tournament to date
  • Activities include Rugby taster sessions, a big screen and live MC and a wide variety of activations from Rugby World Cup 2015 partners 
  • Four-day Find Rugby event hosted by the RFU with opportunities to try the Game
  • Around 900,000 fans have attended Rugby World Cup 2015 official Fanzones to date
 As Rugby World Cup 2015 moves into its final week, the fifteenth Fanzone will open in Central London's Trafalgar Square with further opportunities for Rugby fans from across the globe to experience the excitement of the biggest ever Tournament and a live screening of the Final.
 
Rugby World Cup 2015 has already welcomed over two million spectators to matches up and down the country, and around 900,000 fans have visited the official Fanzones in each Host City and in Rugby, the birthplace of the Game.
 
As the Tournament draws to a close, semi-finals will take place at Twickenham Stadium as South Africa take on New Zealand on Saturday October 24 and Argentina play Australia on Sunday October 25. The Bronze Final at the Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, takes place on Friday October 30, followed by the Final on Saturday October 31. Limited tickets are still on sale for the remaining matches viatickets.rugbyworldcup.com.
 
With excitement building towards the final week of matches, Mayor of London Boris Johnson is supporting the week-long celebration of Rugby in Trafalgar Square, starting this Friday October 23. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy a variety of rugby-themed activities, from touch rugby taster sessions to rugby highlights on a big screen presented by a live MC, and entry is free.  
 
Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, Stephen Brown, said: "The Trafalgar Square Fanzone is a fantastic addition to the Tournament as we approach our final week. Providing fans travelling to England's capital with an iconic city centre location to soak up the atmosphere, watch highlights and participate in rugby taster sessions, the Fanzone will be a celebration of Rugby, the Tournament, and the fans who have welcomed the world to England and Cardiff throughout the past seven weeks. We are also delighted that the nationwide celebration continues with Fanzones still open in Richmond, Exeter and Rugby as we move towards an exciting end of Rugby World Cup 2015.”
 
The Richmond, Exeter and Rugby Fanzones will show the semi-finals and the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015 on their big screens. The Trafalgar Square Fanzone will host a one-off live screening of the Final for fans to enjoy in the iconic central London setting.
 
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This has been the biggest and most successful Rugby World Cup to date and the past five weeks have captivated the whole country and Rugby fans across the globe. With fans finding new teams to support as well as getting behind their own nation, it has been a thrilling Tournament – and there is more to come. As the Tournament reaches its climax, come down to Trafalgar Square to be part of this greatest celebration of Rugby."
 
The Trafalgar Square Fanzone schedule is as follows:
 
Friday October 23 to Sunday October 25
10:00 to 16:00 each day
Fanzone: Trafalgar Square will host a range of Rugby-themed activities, sponsor attractions and entertainment. Includes:
  • The Webb Ellis Cup on display in Trafalgar Square in the Land Rover Trophy Tour Defender 
  • A big screen showing a wide range of rugby highlights hosted by a live MC;
  • The Emirates 360 Experience;
  • The MasterCard Bus featuring an anthem booth, face painting and a 'referee' MC;
  • A Heineken Bar;
  • The Canterbury roadshow with activities including a speed test and diving try attraction;
  • Coca Cola sampling carts;
  • The Dove+Men Care Scrum Together Up and Under Challenge;
  • Official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise on sale;
  • The London Sport Introduction to Rugby and have-a-go set-up.
 Monday October 26 to Thursday October 29
10:00 to 17:00 each day
'Find Rugby' hosted by the RFU

Over four days, the RFU is hosting four 'Find Rugby' days, aimed at encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the sport.
On 'Find Rugby' Day 1, former Rugby World Cup 2003 England winners Jason Robinson and Jason Leonard will join players from London Irish, Harlequins and Wasps to play and coach rugby with school children and club rugby players. Trafalgar Square will be transformed with a purpose-built astroturf pitch, rugby-themed games and an information area. 'Find Rugby' Day 2 welcomes a touch rugby showcase, while Days 3 and 4 brings the RFU's Keep Your Boots On and Return to Rugby initiatives to Trafalgar Square, designed to raise awareness of opportunities to stay involved in Rugby and encouraging former players to return to the Game through refereeing and coaching opportunities and and social rugby sessions. Day 4 will also showcase Rugby Women, a scheme aiming to attract an additional 10,000 females into rugby. 

Friday October 30
10:00 to 20:00 
Fanzone: Trafalgar Square will host a range of Rugby-themed activities, sponsor attractions and entertainment, including
  • A big screen showing a wide range of rugby highlights hosted by a live MC;
  • The Emirates 360 Experience;
  • The MasterCard Bus featuring an anthem booth, face painting and a 'referee' MC;
  • A Heineken Bar;
  • The Canterbury roadshow with activities including a speed test and diving try attraction;
  • Coca Cola sampling carts;
  • The Dove+Men Care Scrum Together Up and Under Challenge;
  • Official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise on sale;
  • The London Sport Introduction to Rugby and have-a-go set-up.
Saturday October 31
10:00 to 20:00
Fanzone: The Central London Fanzone will again welcome fans to Trafalgar Square for Rugby-themed activities, sponsor attractions and entertainment, including a live screening of the Final of Rugby World Cup 2015.
 
For more information about Rugby World Cup 2015 events in Trafalgar Square please go towww.london.gov.uk/events.

For information about Rugby World Cup 2015 events and activities, including the live screening of the semi-finals at the Richmond Fanzone and additional Fanzones across England, go towww.rugbyworldcup.com/fanzones

 

Check out the latest RWC odds from Ladbrokes. 
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