England 2015 Reveals World Cup Fanzones
Rugby World Cup organisers have revealed they are expecting more than one million people to attend the 15 fanzones around England during the competition later this year.
There will be official fanzones in each host city when the tournament starts in September, as well as in Rugby, the birthplace of the game, and London’s Trafalgar Square.
The zones, which will be free to enter, will feature big screens, entertainment, food and drink and rugby activities, ranging from 2,000 up to 15,000 in capacity.
Fans will get a chance to see the Webb Ellis Cup trophy as it begins a 100-day tour around the UK and Ireland starting on 10th June.
The Webb Ellis Cup will visit Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England, following a year-long journey around the world.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will conclude its journey of 15 countries over the next few weeks, in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2015.
This is the first time the trophy has been showcased around the world and is being delivered in partnership with Land Rover and DHL. The Tour will draw to a close by visiting Canada, Germany and France, having touched down at previous destinations including Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE, China and Italy.
Following a tour of the home nations, the trophy will arrive at Twickenham Stadium on 18th September ahead of the opening ceremony prior to the first game, between hosts England and Fiji in Group A.
Debbie Jevans, chief executive officer of England Rugby 2015, said: “With less than six months to go we are delighted to announce the locations of the Official Fanzones, alongside details of the 100 day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across the UK and Ireland. The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 is on and fans can now really begin to plan their Tournament experience, be it through watching the matches, through Fanzones, the Festival of Rugby and the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.
“We are pleased to deliver another Tournament first with an Official Fanzone in every Host City as well as additional Fanzones in Rugby – the birthplace of the Game – and London’s Trafalgar Square. We have worked with all our Host Cities, Local Authorities and the Mayor of London to identify a range of fantastic locations including city centres, parks, match venues and waterfronts to give fans, residents and visitors a uniquely regional experience and a focal point for celebrating the Tournament and the wider game of rugby.”
