The much anticipated Rugby World Cup begins in just 50 days. Since England was awarded the tournament in 2009, the RFU will have been considering the effects of the tournament including raising the profile of rugby and boosting some of the dwindling attendances in the club game.
Many of the effects of the Rugby World Cup are positive- particularly for England. The primary effect will be to increase rugby’s popularity during and immediately after the tournament, which will encourage children to take up the sport. The RFU should be tapping into this enthusiasm and aim to provide opportunities for youngsters to play the game. Perhaps a child inspired by the World Cup will be the next Chris Robshaw, Owen Farrell or Jonathan Joseph in 10 years.
The Ripple Effect of Hosting the Rugby World Cup
Several Premiership clubs are hoping to capitalise on the aftermath of the Rugby World Cup and attract more spectators. Some of the smaller clubs such as Newcastle and London Irish have suffered from shrinking crowds which obviously affects their revenue. Therefore, they need the bigger attendances in order to sustain their club, retain key players and entice marquee signings. The larger the attendance, the more money the club has to attract international players which in turn draws more crowds creating an upward spiral. This effect is already noticeable in that many high profile Southern Hemisphere players such as James Horwill, Ben Franks and Frank Halai have signed for Harlequins, London Irish and Wasps respectively.
Unlike many other major sporting events that take place in the UK, such as Wimbledon and the 2012 Olympics, games will be played throughout England and Wales from Newcastle to Cardiff and Manchester to Exeter. This allows rugby to flourish in towns and cities that historically prefer football, again increasing the popularity of the sport.
The results will reach beyond rugby. It is hoped that a World Cup on home soil will unite the country in the same patriotic fever as in the London 2012 Olympics. The Rugby World Cup may also boost tourism a little, offering an advert of the UK to fans watching worldwide and of course acting as an attraction in its own right.
However, many of the predicted effects hinge on the success of England’s tournament. If they fail to reach the knock out stages- a real possibility with both Australia and Wales in their group- there is a risk that most of the public interest and media attention will evaporate along with the increased coverage of rugby.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 11: A Rugby World Cup 2015 rugby ball is seen in Sydney on September 11, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Tickets for matches to the Rugby World Cup 2015 tournament, held in the UK next year, went on sale September 12, 2014. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images for England Rugby 2015)
