It’s just around the corner now - the highs and lows, the adrenaline fuelled comebacks and the ecstatic victories of the Rugby World Cup 2015. The question is: are you ready to back your team to the hilt and experience all that this year’s World Cup has to offer?
Thirteen different stadiums (twelve in England and one in Wales) have been chosen to host the event, with the first match kicking off on the hallowed field of Twickenham on September 18th. To make sure you don’t miss a crucial game, we’ve put together a quick guide to where you should be for the pool matches according to which team you’re following.
England
You won’t want to miss the inaugural match of the tournament at Twickenham, London: England goes up against Fiji in what should be a spirited opening to the Rugby World Cup 2015. Preceding the match itself, there will of course be the opening ceremony - past openings have been spectacular extravaganzas of finesse and fireworks, so make sure you don’t miss this one. England’s next two games are also based at Twickenham, the first against their old adversary Wales and the next against contemporary heavyweight Australia. Get ready for a trip northward in October though, as England take on Uruguay at Manchester City Stadium.
Ireland
Irish fans will be starting their journey on September 19th in Cardiff, as their team’s first match (Ireland v Canada) is set in the Millennium Stadium, the only Welsh venue to be chosen for the tournament. Then it’s on to London and Wembley Stadium for a match up against Romania. It’s not far to go for their next game as the Ireland vs Italy match is still in old London town, this time at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Then it’s time to return to Cardiff and knuckle down for a real challenge - taking on the French in one of the last matches before the quarter finals hit.
France
It all kicks off with a continental clash for France, going up against Italy straight out of the gate at Twickenham, London. Romania will provide the next hurdle for the French side at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Park, before they head north on the M1 to battle some fellow francophones in the France vs Canada match up at Stadiummk in Milton Keynes. France rounds off their pool games with what is sure to be a tough match against a fiery Irish side in Cardiff.
Scotland
Kingsholm, Gloucester hosts Scotland’s first match - while not a renowned rugby nation, Japan surprised many with their performance at the last tournament and should prove interesting opponents. The Scottish side will then head halfway home to battle the USA at Elland Road in Leeds before edging even closer to the border for what is sure to be a brutal match against South Africa at St James Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. Scotland’s final match up for the pools is also in the north as they return to St James Park to take on Samoa.
Italy
There’s no easing into the tournament for Italy: their very first game will be a challenging match against France at Twickenham, London. From there, Italian fans will venture north to Leeds as their team does battle against Canada at Elland Road before returning to the capital for the Ireland v Italy game, held at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Italy’s last pool game will see them travelling west to Exeter where they’ll go head to head with Romania.
Wales
It’s a home start for Wales as they take on Uruguay at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, but some would say that’s just a warm up for their next match in London: a battle against England on their beloved Twickenham turf. The Welsh side return to Cardiff for Wales v Fiji before stepping on to the field at Twickenham again against the ever-strong Australian team.
Of course, these matches are spread over the space of three weeks, so you’ll have plenty of time to venture out and discover the local sights and experiences of England and Wales. Picking up a car rental is the smartest and easiest way to ensure that you have the freedom to catch every match and have fun in between!
Make sure you don’t miss a moment of the massive event that is the Rugby World Cup 2015.
