OFFICIAL WORLD RUGBY MEDIA RELEASE
Rugby World Cup 2015 has already proven to be the biggest Rugby World Cup to date with 97% of 2.4 million tickets sold, record television and social media audiences, but World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset believes that is also shaping up to be the best and the host nation has played a leading role.
Full stadia, a festival atmosphere, an international feel and competitive and compelling rugby has been the backdrop to an event that has captured hearts and minds around the world and despite the host nation not making the quarter-finals for the first time at a Rugby World Cup, Lapasset believes that the host nation’s love of sport and major events will continue to create a very special atmosphere
“England 2015 has already been confirmed as the biggest Rugby World Cup to date and we believe that it is well on track to be the best, inspiring and engaging audiences around the world. While England’s exit will be disappointing for England fans, the British love major events and England will continue to prove to be an exceptional host nation.
“You only need to look at the two record attendances at Wembley and record attendances at Brighton and Milton Keynes to see that. None of those matches involved England. All of those matches demonstrated an international feel and a love of rugby and sport.”
With the quarter-final shake-up taking shape this week, Lapasset is predicting the most competitive race for the final eight places, spurred on by fantastic support for all the teams.
“There has been huge domestic and international support for all the teams and they have responded by delivering some incredible rugby, unforgettable moments and what is already the most compelling and competitive Rugby World Cup to date. Irrespective of who reaches the knock-out stages, the fans will be there in vocal and festive support - England 2015 really is proving to be too big to miss.”
Lapasset also predicts that the host nation will continue to relish the role as hosts and points to exceptional team experience as proof of the great atmosphere of goodwill and celebration that surrounds England 2015.
“England and Cardiff have already proven to be exceptional and welcoming hosts. The reception that the teams and fans have received across all the host cities and team bases has been incredible and the teams keep telling us just how well organised, how well supported this tournament is and how much they are enjoying Rugby World Cup.”
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