The 2015 World Cup has been the focus of the rugby world’s attention for quite some time, with each nation contemplating players and assessing the form of not just their own team, but also those they will come up against. It was a main part of the IRB World Conference, as well as looking forward to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Planning for 2015
Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, revealed that the organising board are using the London 2012 Olympics to learn what can work, and maintaining a good relationship with other countries for England to be entrusted with delivering a spectacular event. The economic benefits of hosting this international occasion will be in both financial and social form, with an estimated impact of £2.2 billion and galvanising the nation through sport. Plans for the post-event legacy are already under way; school schemes have been rolled out nationwide. Currently over 300 schools play rugby, a distinct increase since England won the right to stage the World Cup. Additionally, the participation of 11 host cities will drive tourism, encourage involvement, and primarily showcase more of the country than the Olympics did.
Legacy
‘Legacy’ is a word that is often overused when it comes to big events; a buzz word that seems encrypted in the contract when places are given the chance to hold an occasion like the World Cup. It is vital, though, to ensure rugby is embraced by more people. By working with past hosts, the RFU hope to sustain the impact of 2015. The Women’s Rugby World Cup earlier this year aided the sport to grow for both women and men, and the idea is that the game is embraced in such way again.
Ticket Sales
The prices of tickets, as usual, are a real area of dispute as it hits people where it hurts most – their pockets. However the ticket sales are one of only a few factors that create revenue to fund the event. Unlike other major sporting events, the World Cup does not ask for a considerable Government financial input. It was argued that prices for 2015 are comparable with 2011 and that there is a reasonable balance between cheaper tickets for families and higher priced tickets for big games. Alan Gilpin of the RWC stated that it was impressive how many tickets were in demand and that the main priority of the RWC was that tickets needed to be accessible for all. Allowing seats at certain games to sell for less meant that more people could afford to see the highest level of rugby, whilst increasing the chance of stadia being filled. This scenario is a win-win for everyone.
Japan 2019
Welcomed on stage was Akira Shimazu of Japan Rugby 2019, who was clearly excited to discuss the prospect of the sport in Japan in the future. Not being a rugby heartland, it is momentous for the country to be awarded this opportunity, together with driving the game within their national side and country as a whole. Ticket prices have not yet been revealed, and alongside selling tickets for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there may be a struggle to price tickets at the same scale as 2015. Despite this, Japan is looking to encompass the affair by building a new stadium for the World Cup, not the Olympics as presumed. The 80,000 capacity stadium will host the first and last matches of the tournament, boasting hi-spec technology that will be completed in March 2019. Other games will be played in 14 or so stadia across Japan so that it can be more widely inclusive, spreading the word and promoting rugby in general.
It looks like it’s all falling into place ahead of an exciting few years for rugby, and with plenty to look forward to, the anticipation will certainly grow.
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