Top 10 tools/tips/platforms you need for this year’s Rugby World Cup
With just 64 days to go until one of our countries most anticipated sporting events and ticket sales exceeding two million (whether you’re a Rugby lover or not) this year’s Rugby World Cup will be dominating your TV screens, papers and social media feeds as well as attracting fans from around the world. There is no doubt that the atmosphere will be electric, with our pubs, parks, beaches and landmarks being filled by the voices of fans singing national anthems or attempting the Haka, this is an event that you want to be part of.
To help you leverage the buzz and excitement of this huge global event and maximize the experience (whether having purchased a ticket or not) we have searched the depths of the internet far and wide to bring you this carefully selected list of must have tools/tips/platforms to ensure you make the most of this epic event taking place in your very own back yard!
- Find your closest fan zone
The next best thing to experiencing the buzz and excitement of being surrounded by thousands of fellow England and international fans at the RWC stadiums is attending one of the 15 free fan zones across England and Cardiff set up by England Rugby at the countries most iconic parks, squares, beaches and match surroundings. Each fan zone will be fully equipped with a big screen (only some showing live games), entertainment, food and drink, rugby activities and unique regional content to celebrate each host city and match venue’s role in Rugby World Cup 2015. Fan zones will be open on match days and are designed to offer visitors, residents and fans with the opportunity to enjoy the build-up to matches and join in with the nationwide celebration.
*Table via http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/fanzones
| CITY | FANZONE NAME/LOCATION | DAYS OPEN | CAPACITY |
| Birmingham | Eastside Park | 8 | 8,000 |
| Brighton & Hove | Madeira Drive | 3 | 10,000 |
| Cardiff | Cardiff Arms Park | 11 | 5,000 + |
| Exeter | Northernhay Gardens | 13 | 5,000 |
| Gloucester | Gloucester Docks | 11 | 5,000 |
| Leeds | Millennium Square | 15 | 5,000 |
| Leicester | Victoria Park | 7 | 5,000 + |
| London: Brent | Wembley Park | 2 | c.15,000 |
| London: Newham | Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park | 20 | c.10,000 |
| London: Richmond | Old Deer Park | 10 | 10,000 |
| Manchester | Albert Square | 3 | 8,000 |
| Milton Keynes | Campbell Park | 9 | 5,000 + |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | Science Central | 8 | 10,000 |
| Rugby | Old Market Place | 17 | 2,000 |
| Central London | Trafalgar Square* | 9 | 5,000 |
*No live screening
- Get ITV Player
ITV have the exclusive rights to broadcast live coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2015 games from September 18th to October 31st but if you don’t have access to ITV and ITV4 not all is lost as the ITV Player can conveniently play back all the games news and highlights. The user-friendly platform is available via the website or on multiple platforms, letting you watch the games whenever you want from your mobile, tablet, connected TV, console or computer.
https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/
- Download Blippar and start Blipping
Tickets for this year’s Rugby World Cup will feature technology that allows supporters to access a three-dimensional interactive experience through their smart phones. The ticket design is a partnership with leading augmented reality and image recognition app, Blippar. Through using Blippar’s Augmented Reality technology, supporters will be able to watch match previews through video content, have access to a 180 degree view of the stadium before they even arrive at the venue, navigational tools that will assist them with their individual journeys, educational content and selfies with star players.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/blippar/id410604563?mt=8
- Plan a Rugby World Cup getaway
From day trip prices (including tickets) starting at £165 per person, England Rugby Travel provides opportunities for fans to book ticket-inclusive packages for any game of the tournament. As the official travel agent for Rugby World Cup 2015, the England Rugby Travel website offers a seamless experience for fans providing a variety of options to ensure England supporters get the opportunity to visit any of the 13 venues hosting fixtures and experience the game of their choice. 
http://www.englandrugbytravel.com
- Download the official RWC 2015 app
The free app developed by Rugby World Cup 2015 is the most concise and informative, allowing users to keep up to date with the latest news and breaking headlines as well as providing all the fixtures, pools, social buzz, educational quizzes the opportunity to follow the Webb Ellis Cup as it travels around the UK and Ireland until September 18. Conveniently available in 25 languages the app offers users the option of adding match schedules to calendars and receiving notifications on where to watch the games.
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/mobile
- Download Google Maps
This award winning platform is the best way to navigate your way around the 13 match venues, with detailed information from buses, underground and regional rail, Google Maps dynamically re-routes based on real-time traffic information, and even suggests which lane to be in.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8
- Design your rugby nights
Design your ultimate Rugby World Cup night out with this discovery and booking platform, designed to offer users a seamless experience in planning any big night out, the Design My Night website promises to help you discover and keep you up to speed with the best bars and pubs showing the Rugby World Cup in action.
http://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/where-to-watch-the-rugby-world-cup-2015
- Buy your merchandise
Get ready to be decked out in your favorite teams jerseys, scarves, hats, gloves and so much more. This specialized rugby merchandise packed online store offers international and next day delivery within England and are the official suppliers of Canterbury of New Zealand, adidas, Under Armour, KooGa, Gilbert, BLK and Rhino.
- Master the rules or teach a newbie
Learning the rules of the sports or teaching a newbie has never been easier than with the ‘World Rugby Laws of the Game’ iPhone app (also available through browser) By MobaNode. The app, which is also available in Spanish and French offers examples and animations to build the users understanding of how rugby laws are applied on the field of play. With 80 embedded videos, and over 200 more which can be viewed over the internet, the app includes information on Laws 1 -22 of the World Rugby Laws of the Game, as well as Seven-a-side and Under 19 Variations. Additionally, 49 referee signals are detailed in words, pictures and video. This app is a must-have for all coaches, referees, players and Rugby enthusiasts.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/world-rugby-laws-of-rugby/id403213587?mt=8
- The podcast
The editorial team behind Rugby World Magazine bring you the Clubhouse Podcast. Listen to the Rugby World team discuss the game’s burning issues in the weekly Clubhouse Podcast. On top of match previews and reviews, there’s plenty of opinion and insight from players. The Podcast is the perfect way to pass the time on your commute and you can listen to it via iTunes and Sound Cloud.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rugby-world-magazine/id530099382?mt=8
https://soundcloud.com/rugby-world
