BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Internationals | France to host 2007 World Cup France to host 2007 World Cup RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007 French bid explained France have beaten England for the right to stage the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced. France won all but three of the possible 21 IRB votes at a meeting in Dublin on Thursday. England's attempt to introduce a Nations Cup for emerging countries did not find favour, with the IRB Council opting to preserve the existing format. But under the French bid, Wales, Scotland and Ireland will be allocated a pool each during the tournament. Referring to England's proposal for a reduced 16-team format IRB chairman, Syd Millar, said: "The council was overwhelmingly of the view that the structure should remain as it is." The tournament will take place between 7 September and 20 October, 2007. France have opted for a traditional format with 20 teams divided into four pools.

KEY FACTS 48 matches between 7 Sept-20 Oct Wales, Scotland and Ireland three first-round matches each, with a quarter-final in the Millennium Stadium French stadia: Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Lens, St Etienne, Lyon, the Stade de France and Parc des Princes The top two from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals. In contrast, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) proposed that 16 teams would contest the tournament, while another 20 would compete in a new Nations Cup competition A Super Eight pool stage, similar to the Super Sixes at this year's Cricket World Cup, would have replaced knockout quarter-finals in an effort to give more exposure to the top sides. Both countries made individual bids after general agreement that the tournaments in 1991 (hosted by England) and 1999 (Wales) were too unwieldy because games were staged throughout Britain, Ireland and France. England and France subsequently made compromises in an effort to woo votes from the 21 council members.

It's staggering slap in the face for the RFU BBC rugby union correspondent Ian Robertson England's claim that their bid would generate ï¿½100m for the game was dismissed by the FFR who said that a likely 40% rise on the 1999 competition's ticket price was exaggerated. The FFR said their own project would bring in around ï¿½50m. This year's World Cup in Australia runs from 10 October to 22 November. 2007 France Rugby World Cup Home > Events > Rugby > World Cup > Host Countries > France 2007 Rugby World Cup The 2007 Rugby World Cup was held in France in September and October in 2007. All matches were held in France except for three pool matches hosted in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and a quarter final was also played in Wales. The tournament was held over 44 days. The kickoff was on September 7, with a game between France and Agentina. The final is be be played in 'Stade de France' on October 20, 2007.

The World Cup matches played in France will be in the following cities: Paris Rugby Football History All Blacks Barbarians Canada British & Irish Lions Ireland Scotland Springboks USA Wales Wallabies Rugby World Cup (RWC) is administered by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL), a subsidiary of the International Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB is a non-profit making organisation. All revenue generated through its activity is placed back in the game of Rugby. Rugby World Cup is the primary source of revenue for the funding of Rugby development worldwide. Ninety-five percent of all money distributed by the IRB worldwide for development comes from RWC revenue. These funds underpin the IRB's strategic investments programme including High Performance funding and development grants. The first RWC was held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987. The six tournaments to date are: How it all began The IRB held their annual board meeting on 20-21st March 1985 at the French Railways HQ in Paris. Each member nation had a single vote and the motion was carried 6 (Australia, England, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Wales) to 2 (Ireland and Scotland).

It would be staged jointly by Australia and New Zealand from the 22nd May to the 20th June 1987. This gave the two host nations approx. two years to prepare. Read the full story It may also interest you to know that Rugby League's World Cup was first held in 1954. Read more World Cup Finals Estimated £80 million net surplus boost to the Game. Loss of NZ $31.3 million, NZ $8 million lower than forecast The Famous Whistle The first game of every world cup to date has been started by the same whistle. The whistle is nearly 100 years old and bears an inscription saying it was used by Gil Evans in the Test match between New Zealand and England in December 1905, a match the All Blacks won 15-0. This piece of rugby history is also believed to have been used by Albert E. Freethy in the final of the 1924 Olympics in Paris when the United States beat hosts France 17-13 at the Colombes Stadium - the last time the sport of rugby union featured in the Games.

A year later Freethy blew the whistle to dismiss Cyril Brownlie in the Test between New Zealand and England at Twickenham in January 1925, making him the first player to be sent off in an international match. The whistle has been housed in the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North since 16 April 1969 when they held their inaugural function, having been given by Stan Dean, who for many years was the chairman of the NZRFU and manager of the 1924/25 All Blacks. France to host 2007 World Cup | Sport | The Guardian France to host 2007 World Cup Staff and agencies Thursday 10 April 2003 12.55 EDT First published on Thursday 10 April 2003 12.55 EDT Share on Messenger Close They might come second best to England on the pitch, but France today beat their fierce rivals in the race to stage the rugby World Cup 2007. France will host the tournament for the first time after winning an IRB vote in Dublin today by a comprehensive 18 votes to England's three.

"On behalf of the council I would like to say how delighted I am that the 2007 Rugby World Cup will take place in France - it's a marvellous rugby nation, a marvellous country," International Rugby Board acting chairman Syd Millar said. This year's tournament, starting in exactly six months, will be staged solely in Australia after the IRB withdrew an invitation to New Zealand to be co-hosts. France, twice losing finalists since the World Cup began in 1987, have opted for a traditional format with 20 teams divided into four pools. The top two from each pool will qualify for the 2007 quarter-finals. Matches will be staged between September 7 and October 20 in Lens, St Etienne, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Paris's Parc des Princes and Stade de France. Last month France tried to attract votes by offering to stage pool matches in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, taking games to Murrayfield, the Millennium Stadium and Lansdowne Road. One of the quarter-finals will also be staged in Cardiff.

The English proposed that 16 teams would contest the 2007 World Cup while another 20, reduced from an initial figure of 32, would compete for a Nations Cup. A Super Eight pool stage, similar to the Super Sixes at this year's cricket World Cup, would have replaced knockout quarter-finals in an effort to give more exposure to the top sides. The tournament would have been staged in June and July. PREFERRED BID Millar said its council had been "overwhelmingly" of the view that the World Cup structure should remain as four pools of five teams. "Whilst the underlying concept of greater inclusiveness was appreciated, widespread soundings amongst the developing nations had in fact indicated a strong preference to maintain the current format," Millar said. "The dream of one day performing on a world stage alongside the giants of rugby sustains the aspirations of many of our most promising nations and their players." Both countries made individual bids after general agreement that the tournaments in 1991 (hosted by England) and 1999 (Wales) were too diffused and unwieldy because games were staged throughout Britain, Ireland and France.

France's original proposal was based on the stadiums used for the highly successful 1998 soccer World Cup - which France won - and the proven excellence of its transport system. "Our country has demonstrated in the past its know-how in the organisation of big sports events," French Sports minister Jean-Francois Lamour said. "The organisation of the World Cup will shine on the whole French country since 10 French cities will have the privilege of hosting matches and be in the international limelight." BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | England will host 2015 World Cup England will host 2015 World Cup Advertisement World Cup will boost economy - RFU chairman England have fought off rival bids from South Africa and Italy to win the right to stage the 2015 Rugby World Cup. It will be the second time England have hosted the competition, the last time being in 1991. The International Rugby Board (IRB) also announced that Japan will be hosts for the event in 2019. The IRB voted 16-10 in favour of rubber-stamping the recommendation from Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) that England and Japan should be named hosts.

The announcement by IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset had been widely expected after RWCL, the IRB-controlled company that oversees the tournaments, last month endorsed England and Japan as the strongest bidders. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chairman Martyn Thomas called the decision "a relief, and also great joy for England". PREVIOUS WORLD CUP HOSTS 1987: New Zealand (co-host with Australia) 1991: England 2007: France 2011: New Zealand "We have been trusted with making a great competition and providing a great spectacle, and delivering what the IRB needs in terms of host revenue," said Thomas. "Australia did an immense job [in 2003], France raised the bar [in 2007] and we have got to raise it again. We have got some very iconic stadia and it will be tremendous for world rugby and immense for participation in England." The RFU says England will lay on the biggest World Cup to date, generating a surplus at least £60m larger than that of the other bids.

Between the event's running dates from 4 September to 17 October it says three million people will watch the games live at stadiums across the country. The stadia selected are Twickenham, Wembley and the Emirates Stadium in London, Old Trafford in Manchester, Newcastle's St James' Park, Anfield in Liverpool, Elland Road in Leeds, the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, Welford Road in Leicester, Kingsholm in Gloucester and St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. The only stadium outside England to host matches will be Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which will stage two quarter-finals and some pool matches. 606: DEBATE Well done IRB you made the right decision OnlyJoeQuin However, IRB chief executive Mike Miller confirmed England's plan to use the Millennium Stadium must still be ratified by the RWCL board - and that may not happen until next March. The RFU must make a proposal to the IRB and provide compelling reasons that meet specific criteria that are in the best interests of the game globally for taking matches outside of England.

Japan are in a similar boat after submitting their bid with plans to split a pool between Singapore and Hong Kong, although it is hard to see the IRB dismissing that request given their desire to spread the game through Asia. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was a "fantastic achievement" to win the bid and congratulated the RFU on their success. "I'm sure the whole country will want to play their part in making this the most memorable of Rugby World Cups," he added. The event will form part of what Brown has labelled a "golden decade" of sport in the UK. "The Rugby World Cup is yet another tremendous event to add to the country's decade of sport and another chance to show our nation's passion for sport and what world class facilities we have to offer. I'm sure it will be a tournament to remember," said Brown. Former England international Will Greenwood, a World Cup winner in 2003, says he hopes the event will leave a lasting legacy not only in this country but across the world. England must produce best RWC ever - Greenwood "We focused on delivering a low risk, high return bid and a tremendous legacy," Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I've seen the ability of rugby to change lives, both on an individual level and on a community basis and part of the RFU pledge is all surplus money will go back into grassroots both on a domestic level and a global scale. "We now have an opportunity to go round the country and spread the gospel of rugby, grow the support and player base and spread the values and beliefs of rugby such as teamwork, discipline, trust, friendship and second chances." Ex-England captain Lawrence Dallaglio, also part of the victorious 2003 side, said: "The world's best players will now have a chance to play in some of the world's best stadia and supporters can look forward to a feast of rugby. It's almost enough to bring me out of retirement!" RFU chairman Thomas also offered his condolences to unsuccessful rival bidders South Africa and Italy. "We have been there before [to France for the 2007 RWC], we know how they are feeling," said Thomas.

THE UK GOLDEN DECADE OF SPORT 2010: Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor 2011: Champions League final, Wembley 2012: Olympic Games, London ADDITIONAL BID 2018 Football World Cup South Africa, in particular, were upset at losing out on the recommendation of the RWCL, and had been lobbying hard ahead of Tuesday's meeting. They had pressed home the fact they had secured government support totalling £130m - £50m more than the tournament fee - compared to the £25m Westminster has made available to the RFU. "It's been a long, tough battle," said former Springbok captain Morne du Plessis. "We believe that we presented an extremely credible bid based on the fantastic infrastructure that our country will soon have (as a result of upgrades to prepare for the 2010 football World Cup).

"Even if we're successful the next time around, 28 years is too long to wait for a country with such strong rugby passions." As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income. On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy. England's Thomas (left) and Japan's Mashimo celebrate the result With the 2011 tournament in New Zealand predicted to not bring in bumper revenues the RFU's financial power was seen as a way to bolster the IRB's reserves. The IRB also felt the need to break new ground by taking the 2019 World Cup to Asia after Japan were controversially overlooked for the 2011 tournament. Japan's bid leaders expressed delight at winning Tuesday's vote to stage the 2019 event and become the tournament's first Asian hosts.

"The God of rugby smiled on us today," said Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) president Yoshiro Mori. "I am filled with emotion to be a part of this historic day for Japan and for rugby around the world. "Japan has much to offer the rugby World Cup. We have a superb transport system, strong infrastructure and world-class stadiums. "We are honoured to welcome the global rugby family to our country and for the first time ever to Asia." Bookmark with: Single country, double standards | Sport | The Guardian Sportblog Single country, double standards Australia's chief executive says the World Cup should be held in one country alone. He's right - but he's forgotten his country's role in the decision to play games in Wales and Scotland Saturday 15 September 2007 05.58 EDT First published on Saturday 15 September 2007 05.58 EDT Share on Messenger Close Australia have been wrapped in splendid isolation in Montpellier this month, a city in the south of France a few miles from the Mediterranean which has been basking in temperatures of more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit since the Wallabies arrived.

They left yesterday, grudgingly for some reason, for a city on the sea, Cardiff, where they face their main group rivals Wales at the Millennium Stadium today. Australia have spent most of the year cursing the paradox of a tournament which is being hosted by France having games in Wales and Scotland. Montpellier has been both warm and friendly for the Wallabies. Their luxury hotel is tucked away from the main drag but is within easy walking distance of an arcade bulging with designer brand shops and a broad, pedestrianised avenue filled with outdoor restaurants and market stalls. Only the distant ringing of tram bells interrupts the gentle hum of conversation. Heat of a different sort awaits them in the Welsh capital. The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest in France: its alumni include Nostradamus, but it would not have taken his powers to predict the reaction of the Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill to the Wallabies having to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium. "Why the hell are we playing in Cardiff on Saturday?" he asked. "The host nation is France, yet Wales and Scotland get home ground advantage for important games when you are supposed to be talking about competitive neutrality. It is not fair.

The French promised matches to Wales, Scotland and Ireland as they battled with England for the right to host the tournament. The most successful World Cups were South Africa in 1995 and Australia in 2003. The tournament should be played exclusively in one country." O'Neill is spot on. The International Rugby Board originally insisted that the World Cup this year would be a stand-alone tournament, that is it would be held only in one country. England and France both submitted bids to that effect, but the French, at the 11th hour and with the connivance of the Board, offered matches to the Celtic unions in return for their votes. Wales, citing an agreement with France in 1999, pressed for, and got, a quarter-final. So, of course, Australia supported England back in 2002? Er, no. Only Canada voted for Twickenham. O'Neill should accept his share of the blame for this year's event not being staged in one country. And another thing: he cited the 2003 tournament, which Australia staged, as one of the model World Cups.

It was superbly run, better even than 1995, and its success was in no small measure due to his leadership. But it was only by accident that Australia staged the event alone. They had originally awarded New Zealand co-host rights in return for their support in the bidding process, only to withdraw them following a dispute over money in which the IRB became embroiled. It was a messy divorce and O'Neill still has not been forgiven by some on the other side of the Tasman. New Zealand wanted to stage one pool, rather than the two offered. And who would have faced the prospect of bearding the All Blacks in their own den despite the tournament being hosted by Australia? Wales. At least the Wallabies have sampled the delights of Montpellier; the Welsh would probably have found themselves stuck in Manawatu. And it could backfire on France. After losing their opening match to Argentina, they face the prospect of a quarter-final against New Zealand - in Cardiff. Only in rugby union could the hosts of a tournament find themselves playing in another country. Rugby in South Africa Rugby in South Africa Tweet on Twitter Rugby is one of South Africa’s big three sports, alongside soccer and cricket.

For the many South African fans of the game, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride and joy – or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared extremely well on the world stage, and South African fans expect their national team to win every game it plays. To help your understanding, here’s a quick guide to the game of rugby in South Africa: The changing face of South African rugby Sport, like no other South African institution, has shown it has the power to heal old wounds. When the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup on home turf in 1995, Nelson Mandela donned the No 6 shirt of the team’s captain – Francois Pienaar, a white Afrikaner – and the two embraced in a spontaneous gesture of racial reconciliation that melted hearts around the country. A single moment, and 400 years of colonial strife and bitterness … suddenly seemed so petty. For the disadvantaged people of the old apartheid South Africa, rugby was the white man’s game, and even more so the game of the Afrikaner. Traditionally, most communities of colour played soccer while, for white communities, rugby was the winter sport of choice.

Things have changed in South Africa since 1994, however, and the South African Rugby Football Union has been working hard to make rugby the game of all South Africans, mainly through an active development programme throughout the country. At provincial age-group levels, players of colour are playing an increasingly prominent role as the development programme and the quota system begin to bear fruit. Through the quota system, players of colour are being given the opportunity to compete at the higher levels of the game, and a growing number are showing that they belong there by securing places in Super 14 teams and – the highest honour for a South African rugby player – in the Springbok side. The Springboks The Springboks are the national rugby team and traditionally one of the sport’s international powerhouses. Every talented South African youngster dreams of one day wearing “the green and gold”. The Boks have an outstanding international scoresheet, and for many years enjoyed a winning record against all other nations, until a slight slump in performances after South Africa’s return from international isolation in 1992. New Zealand’s All Blacks now hold a slight edge in head-to-head meetings with the Springboks, but the South Africans retain a winning record against all other countries.

There have been five big highlights since South Africa’s return from international isolation. The first of these took place in 1995 when the country hosted rugby’s biggest tournament, the World Cup. The Springboks made it through to the final at Ellis Park where, spurred on by a frenzied home crowd, and with the whole of South Africa willing them on, they trumped the All Blacks 15-12 in extra time to lift the sport’s most coveted trophy. The Boks’ display, opening with a win over defending champions Australia and finishing with victory over favourites New Zealand, united the country, bringing people of all colours together just a year after South Africa’s first democratic elections. The second highlight occurred in 1998, when South Africa broke New Zealand’s hold on the Tri-Nations, a competition that matches up the “big three” of the southern hemisphere, with Australia completing the trio. The Kiwis had won the first two competitions without losing a match, but Gary Teichmann’s 1998 side showed spirit and poise in winning all four of their matches to lift the title for the first time.

The third highlight included the Springboks’ 1998 Tri-Nations title and went beyond it. It was a run of 17 victories in succession, equalling the world record run by New Zealand between 1965 and 1970 (which, appropriately, was halted by South Africa). During their 1997/98 run, South Africa defeated Australia, New Zealand, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy – all of them, with the exception of Italy, teams rated amongst the world’s elite. After a rough period, during which Springbok coaches came and went with alarming rapidity, Jake White was appointed coach in 2003. He would go on to lead the team in more matches than any other Springbok coach. He was also at the helm when the fourth great highlight was achieved. In October 2007, South Africa beat England 15-6 in the final of the World Cup in Paris, after advancing through the tournament unbeaten, to join Australia as the only two-time winner of the William Webb Ellis Trophy.

Not long afterwards, Jake White was named International Rugby Board (IRB) Coach of the Year and Bryan Habana IRB Player of the Year. The Springboks were named IRB Team of the Year and, at the Laureus Sports Awards in February 2008, World Sports Team of the Year. The following year they captured their third Tri-Nations title, defeating the All Blacks three times on their way to the title. They also beat the British and Irish Lions 2-1 in a three-match series. In New Zealand, in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks won all of their pool matches, defeating Wales, Namibia, Fiji, and Samoa. They exited the tournament at the quarterfinals stage, falling 11-9 to Australia, which, incredibly, was the sole statistic they trailed the Wallabies by when the match was over. Tri-Nations The Tri-Nations was an annual competition that took place in July and August from 1996 to 2011 to decide the top international team in the southern hemisphere. The competition was born of a demand for more regular competition between the southern hemisphere superpowers following the success of the 1995 World Cup.

Between them, the three competing countries – New Zealand, South Africa and Australia – have won six out of the seven World Cups contested since 1987, so to be crowned Tri-Nations champion was a great honour. Tri-Nations champions: 1996: New Zealand The Rugby Championship In 2012, the Tri-Nations competition was expanded to include Argentina and became known as the Rugby Championship. Reigning World Cup champions, New Zealand, became the first winners of the new competition. The Rugby Championship champions: 2013: New Zealand Super Rugby The Super Rugby competition features 15 regional teams from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, with each country providing five teams. The forerunner of the competition was the Super 10, contested by provincial teams from the three countries as well as Samoa in 1993 and 1994 and Tonga in 1995. In 1996, the competition became the Super 12, featuring provincial and regional teams from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, with the Tongans and Samoans falling out. Two more teams were added in 2006 and it became the Super 14.

The Super Rugby competition begins in February and runs through until August. Five South African teams are selected from the Sharks (made up of players from the Natal Sharks), the Stormers (made up of players from Western Province and Boland), the Cheetahs (made up of players from the Cheetahs, Griquas and Griffons), the Lions (made up of players from the Lions, Pumas and Leopards), the Bulls (made up of players from the Blue Bulls and Falcons) and the Southern Kings (made up of players from the Kings, Bulldogs and Eagles) Back in 1993, the team then known as Transvaal (now the Lions) beat New Zealand team Auckland to win the first Super 10 competition. But it was to be a long wait for local fans for the next South African Super rugby winner: until 2007, when the Bulls scored a converted try after the final hooter to sneak a 20-19 win against the Sharks in Durban. Super Rugby champions: 1993: Transvaal (SA) Currie Cup The Currie Cup, the premier provincial rugby competition in South Africa, was first contested in 1892.

The format of the Currie Cup varied from year to year, and finals were held intermittently until 1968, after which the final became an annual event. Up to and including 2011, the most successful province in the history of the Currie Cup is Western Province with 32 titles (four shared), followed by the Blue Bulls with 23 (four shared), the Lions with 10 (one shared), the Natal Sharks with six, and the Cheetahs with four (one shared). Other teams that have lifted the trophy include Griquas (three times) and Border (twice, both shared). For many years the biggest rivalry in South African rugby was between Western Province and the Blue Bulls. During the early to mid-1990s this was superseded by a three-way rivalry between Natal, the Lions and Western Province. The Blue Bulls have returned to Currie Cup prominence, however, while the Free State Cheetahs won three titles in succession, from 2005 to 2007, including sharing the Currie Cup with the Blue Bulls in 2006. The Currie Cup takes place roughly between July and October.

The format divides 14 teams into eight Premier Division and six First Division teams. The teams, in alphabetical order, are: Blue Bulls, Boland Cavaliers, Border Bulldogs, Eagles, Falcons, Free State Cheetahs, Golden Lions, Griffons, Griquas, Leopards, Mighty Elephants, Natal Sharks, Pumas and Western Province. Currie Cup champions (since 1994): 2013: Natal Sharks 1994: Transvaal Vodacom Cup The Vodacom Cup has become an important competition on the South African rugby calendar. It takes place at the same time as the Super 14 competition – starting in late February and finishing in mid-May – and thus creates a platform for talented young players who might otherwise not get a chance to make their mark. It has also been a fertile breeding ground for strong players from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to the enforcement of quotas. Quotas, successfully implemented lower down, now extend through the higher levels of South African rugby, including the Super 14.

The Vodacom Cup is divided into two sections – North and South – with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals and playing cross-section matches of one- versus-two for a place in the final. The North is made up of the Griffons, Pumas, Golden Lions, Griquas, Blue Bulls, Leopards XV, Valke, and the Limpopo Blue Bulls. The South’s teams are the Sharks XV, Free State XV, Western Province, Tusker Simba XV (Kenya), SWD Eagles, EP Kings, Boland Cavaliers, and Border. Since the first Vodacom Cup season in 1998, up to and including 2014, the Golden Lions have won four titles, including a hat-trick from 2002 to 2004, while Griquas have also claimed four titles. The Golden Lions have taken the honours on five occasions, while there have also been titles for and Blue Bulls , the Falcons, Western Province, Griqualand West, Free State Cheetahs and Argentina’s Pampas XV.

Vodacom Cup champions: Rugby World Cup Facts, New Zealand : World Cup Rugby Facts, NZ Rugby World Cup Facts 2011 RWC | Dates & Games | Facts | History | News | Teams | Tickets | Your Rights Rugby World Cup is administered by Rugby World Cup Limited, a subsidiary of the International Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB is a non-profit making organisation. All revenue generated through its activity is placed back in the Game of Rugby. Rugby World Cup is the primary source of revenue for the funding of rugby development worldwide. 95% of all money distributed by the IRB worldwide for development comes from Rugby World Cup revenue. These funds underpin the IRB's strategic investments programme including High Performance funding and development grants. RUGBY WORLD CUP HISTORY (SHORT) The first Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987.

The five tournaments to date, winners and finalists are: 1987 (NZ & Australia) New Zealand beat France 1991 (UK, Ireland & France) Australia beat England 1995 (South Africa) South Africa beat New Zealand 1999 (UK, Ireland & France) Australia beat France 2003 (Australia) England beat Australia 2007 (France & UK) South Africa beat England In 1987, 16 teams were invited to participate in the inaugural tournament. In 1991, the tournament was expanded to 20 teams. A total of 94 countries took part in RWC 2007: the eight automatic qualifiers from RWC 2003 (quarter-finalists England, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa, Wales, Scotland and Ireland), and 86 countries who participated in qualifying to determine the final 12 places for France.

RWC 2011 in New Zealand will comprise 20 teams allocated into four pools: 12 teams that automatically qualified from RWC 2007 in France; and eight teams that will come through the RWC 2011 qualifier programme which began in April 2008. The 12 automatic qualifiers are the Rugby World Cup Champions South Africa, runners-up England, losing semi-finalists France and Argentina, losing quarter-finalists Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Scotland, and Italy, Tonga, Wales and Ireland who finished in third place in their respective pools. The Pool Allocation Draw for RWC 2011 will be made in London at the giant New Zealand Rugby Ball venue on December 1, 2008. Worthy guardians of Rugby's jewel in the crown Global rugby legacy New Zealand was granted the rights to host Rugby World Cup 2011 on 17 November 2005 (18 November NZ time) in Dublin.

The selection vote and subsequent announcement by International Rugby Board (IRB) Chairman Dr Syd Millar came at the end of a day of final presentations to the IRB by New Zealand, as well as presentations by Japan and South Africa. The five members of the presentation team were New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Jock Hobbs, New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Chris Moller, then All Blacks Captain Tana Umaga and former All Blacks legend Colin Meads. In December 2005, the NZRU and Government announced the formation of an Establishment Board, to undertake the initial planning for New Zealand to host Rugby World Cup 2011. The Board included NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs and Chief Executive Chris Moller, and two representatives of the Crown, SPARC Chairman John Wells and Alan Isaac, Chairman of KPMG. John Wells was also a member of the RWC 2011 Bid Advisory Committee and Alan Isaac is a Director of New Zealand Cricket. Jock Hobbs was appointed Chairman of the Establishment Board. The Establishment Board oversaw the initial planning and preparations for RWC 2011.

RUGBY NEW ZEALAND 2011 LTD On 27 July 2006, Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard and NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs announced that the New Zealand Government and the NZRU had finalised the formation of the Tournament organisation which would deliver Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. The new company, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011), was incorporated on June 30 and assumed responsibility for all the planning, preparations and delivery of Rugby World Cup 2011 on behalf of its two primary stakeholders. The NZRU continues to be ultimately responsible for the Tournament, in conjunction with Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) and the IRB. RNZ 2011 replaced the Establishment Board. The four members of this Board were all appointed to the Board of RNZ 2011 with two additional independent appointees. The two independent Directors were Sir Ron Carter, former Chairman of Beca Group Limited, and Lois Appleby, a Board member of the Victorian Major Events Company and former Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria and the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

In October 2006, RNZ 2011 presented the Tournament Master Plan and Budget to Rugby World Cup Limited with both planning documents endorsed by RWCL. In December 2006, RNZ 2011 announced that New Zealand Cricket CEO Martin Snedden had been appointed CEO of RNZ 2011. Mr Snedden commenced his role with RNZ 2011 in May 2007. In March 2007, RNZ 2011 announced the first staff appointments with Nigel Cass appointed General Manager, Tournament Services and Therese Walsh appointed General Manager, Corporate Services. Three other appointments – Andrew Steele, Business Advisor, Tournament Services, Sally Kane, Business Advisor, Corporate Services and Cath Ingram, Executive Assistant, were announced. All five appointees previously worked for the NZRU. On July 24 2007, New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, opened the RNZ 2011 Ltd offices in central Wellington. Following his retirement as CEO of the NZRU, Chris Moller was replaced in RNZ 2011 Ltd Board from February 2008 by NZRU CEO Steve Tew.

In March 2008, the RNZ 2011 Board was expanded with the addition of one additional NZRU representative and one additional Crown representative. Former CEO Chris Moller was appointed as the NZRU representative and Tim Robinson as the Government representative. The RNZ 2011 management team was expanded with the appointment of Shane Harmon as General Manager, Marketing and Communications in June 2008. RWC TOURNAMENT DETAILS AND COSTS Following confirmation by the IRB Council November 30, 2007, RWC 2011 will feature: 20 teams Final to be played at an expanded Eden Park The Tournament will be played over seven weekends. As part of the Bid requirements and subsequent Host Union Agreement (HUA), New Zealand has guaranteed to deliver a minimum guarantee to the IRB. This guarantee is underpinned by a partnership with the New Zealand Government and a joint funding commitment from both partners.

The agreement includes provisions that any profits from the Tournament will be shared on a 50/50 basis between the NZRU and the New Zealand Government, while any shortfall/losses on the Tournament will be met by a 1/3rd / 2/3rd split between the NZRU and the New Zealand Government respectively. RWC TOURNAMENT TIMING In November 2006, the IRB and RNZ 2011 confirmed that RWC 2011 would be played during a September-October window. On July 24 2007, RWCL and RNZ 2011 Ltd announced that the final of RWC 2011 would be played on the weekend of October 22-23 (Labour Weekend). Rugby World Cup VENUES As part of its philosophy of a "Stadium of Four Million", thirteen venues across New Zealand will host matches for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. Wellington Regional Stadium will host two quarter-finals with the Final, Bronze Final and both semi-finals to be played at Eden Park in Auckland.

The Tournament will kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday September 9, 2011 when New Zealand will play Tonga. Auckland (Eden Park) and Wellington have been allocated five pool matches each while North Shore, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Dunedin will each host three matches. Whangarei, Nelson, Palmerston North, Napier and Invercargill will host two matches. The selection of host venues in March 2009 came after the culmination of a 22 month process that has involved 18 regions around New Zealand applying to host either a match or a team or both. New Zealand has a range of dedicated rugby venues across the country and these venues were recognised by players, officials, broadcasters and media as excellent during the 2005 DHL NZ Lions Series. Since New Zealand's Bid, RWC 2011 has been a catalyst for expansion and upgrade plans being advanced for a number of venues, which would be a further enhancement on the Bid commitments.

Venue for RWC 2011 quarter-finals On September 4, 2008, RWCL and RNZ 2011 jointly announced that Christchurch and Wellington would each host two quarter-finals. The announcement followed the first stage of a match and team allocation process which saw applications to host quarter-final matches lodged by the Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington regions, and applications to host the Bronze Final match by Auckland and Hamilton. The four quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of October 7, 8 and 9, 2011 Venue for RWC 2011 semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final New Zealand's RWC 2011 Bid was lodged (May 13, 2005) with a guaranteed capacity of 53,000 for Eden Park. New Zealand subsequently committed to an upgraded Eden Park with a capacity of 60,000 to host RWC 2011.

The upgrade concept envisioned in the final Bid presentation included: - A mixture of Permanent and Temporary seating / facilities - A new South Stand - A large temporary West Stand above the existing West Stand After consideration and much debate over a range of proposals for stadia redevelopment – including a more complete redevelopment of Eden Park and a new purpose-built stadium on Auckland's waterfront, the New Zealand Government, Auckland's civic authorities and RNZ 2011, agreed in early 2007 that a revised upgrade proposal for Eden Park was the right option for hosting RWC 2011. While similar in approach, the approved proposal differs from the original Bid in that in place of the large temporary stand above the West Stand, the additional seating capacity will be created through the use of new and temporary seating overlays in the Eastern Terraces and a new South Stand. The revised proposal was endorsed by Rugby World Cup Limited (IRB) after their Board meeting in Auckland in March 2007, which reflected that the revised proposal - while different from the Bid – was an enhancement on the proposals included in New Zealand's original Bid.

Design and planning work is continuing on the Eden Park upgrade involving the Ministry of Economic Development (on behalf of the Government), RNZ 2011, Eden Park Trust Board and other key stakeholders. The Government has announced that it will lead the funding process around the upgrade project. On November 23, 2007, the Eden Park Redevelopment Board announced that Fletcher Construction had been provisionally appointed as the preferred contractor for the construction of Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup 2011. Resource consent was granted for the new Eden Park South Stand in May 2008. Work on the redevelopment began in May 2008 with earthworks on the site. The existing South Stand and Eastern Terraces were demolished in August 2008 and construction of the new stands is expected to be completed during 2010. In September 2008, RNZ 2011 confirmed that in addition to the Final, Eden Park will host both RWC 2011 semi-finals and the Bronze Final (the match between the two losing semi-finalist teams).

The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of October 15 and 16 while the Bronze Final will be staged two days prior to the Final which is scheduled to be played on Labour Weekend (October 21-23) 2011. Rugby World Cup ECONOMIC IMPACT RNZ 2011 announced in September 2006 that hosting Rugby World Cup 2011 will generate more than $1.15 billion in total economic activity, and pump more than half a billion dollars into the New Zealand economy, according to the latest economic impact report prepared by Horwath Asia Pacific Ltd. According to the updated report, Rugby World Cup 2011 will add $507 million to New Zealand's gross domestic product, 23 per cent more than original forecasts prepared at the time of the bid to host the Cup. RWC 2011 will also provide the New Zealand Government an additional $112 million in tax revenue. Auckland, as host of the RWC 2011 Final, stands to gain around $240 million in additional gross domestic product and $262 million of total direct additional expenditure in the Auckland economy.

Based on Australia's experience of hosting the 2003 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand can expect to attract as many as 66,000 international supporters, 2,500 international media, and up to 2,500 corporate and VIP guests throughout the tournament. Rugby World Cup 2007 brought in 400,000 additional visitors to France last September-October delivering a total economic impact of €4 billion (NZ$7 billion). RWC AND RNZ 2011 LTD About Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd: Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Ltd was established in June 2006 and is the organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 in New Zealand on behalf of its shareholders, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government. RNZ 2011 Ltd is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors which is chaired by current NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs. The New Zealand Rugby Union was selected as the Host Union for RWC 2011 by the International Rugby Board Council in November 2005.

About IRB Rugby World Cup: The IRB Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France and enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of more than 4 billion. For the latest on RWC tournaments visit (open new window) Check out more information about the 2011 Rugby World Cup, its venues and useful information about the locations of each match. Return to Rugby World Cup information. Featured

Question: Which country hosted the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup?
Answer: France