– Strong progress outlined as preparations remain firmly on track
– Match schedule will engage fans the length and breadth of the country
– Every opportunity to be given to include the Olympic Stadium
The Rugby World Cup Limited Board today met Rugby World Cup 2015 Tournament Organisers England Rugby 2015 to discuss tournament planning as part of regularly held Board meetings.
With two and a half years to go until the showcase event kicks off, a key agenda item was progress towards the finalisation of the RWC 2015 daily match schedule and final selection of RWC 2015 match venues.
The Board determined that excellent progress has been made on developing the match schedule and selecting venues which would set a base for an outstanding tournament for players and spectators and a festival that will engage and excite fans the length and breadth of the country and around the world.
All stakeholders are focused on delivering a balanced match schedule that enables every team to perform to the highest level on Rugby’s biggest stage in a blend of iconic Rugby and football stadia and the best possible sporting facilities.
With this in mind, both parties agreed that appropriate time should be given to allow every possible opportunity to include the Olympic Stadium, one of the world’s most recognisable venues. The additional time will enable England Rugby 2015 to finalise negotiations and scheduling with other venues.
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The Board received a detailed update on all aspects of tournament preparation and delivery during a very positive meeting, which reaffirmed the belief that England 2015 is on track to be an exceptional event.”
“The selection of venues and match schedule composition is central to bringing to life Rugby World Cup 2015 for fans and teams, blending the best sporting facilities, iconic venues and a nationwide festival that stretches the length and breadth of the country.”
“It is a complex and rigorous process involving numerous stakeholders and variables and is pivotal to the success of the event. The Board agreed that giving time to further explore the possibility of including the Olympic Stadium is the right thing for the tournament.”
“We will continue to work in partnership with England Rugby 2015 and look forward to confirming the final details in the coming weeks.”
England Rugby 2015 Chief Executive Debbie Jevans said: “We are determined to select the best venues and deliver the optimum schedule for the Rugby World Cup, and are delighted to have received such strong support from the Rugby World Cup Limited Board for our proposals today. Our plans are on track and we are confident that we will finalise the schedule and the venues in the next few weeks.”
