Rugby fans in England and around the world can now begin planning their Rugby World Cup 2015 experience following the announcement of the ticketing programme for Rugby’s showpiece event.
Tournament organisers England 2015 and tournament owners the International Rugby Board today confirmed that at least 2.3 million tickets will be available across the tournament’s 48 matches.
The strategy has been designed to be as accessible and affordable as possible. The tickets will go on sale in 2014 in a staged process aimed at giving loyal Rugby fans a fair chance of getting tickets, while also welcoming new fans into the Game.
England 2015 Chief Executive Debbie Jevans said: "Today we are launching our ticketing plans so that fans understand the ticketing process for Rugby World Cup 2015. We want the tournament to be a celebration of Rugby, encouraging more people to support and enjoy the Game."
"We have a range of ticket prices for every budget – for fans and families who want to come to one of the world’s greatest sports events. Our ticketing programme is built for fans who support the Game week in week out, whilst encouraging a new generation of Rugby fans through Rugby World Cup 2015."
Rugby World Cup Limited Managing Director Brett Gosper added: "This announcement represents a fantastic opportunity for fans around the world to experience what promises to be a very special Rugby World Cup. It is the day that they can start to plan. There are affordable and accessible options to suit every need."
Fans can secure tickets via the public sales process managed by England 2015 or the official travel and hospitality programmes managed by Rugby Travel and Hospitality (RTH).
More than one million tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 will be made available at £100 or less and 500,000 at £50 or less. Adult tickets start at £15 for pool matches and there will be child tickets available from £7 at 41 of the 48 matches. Ticket prices will range from £7 to £315 for pool matches, £15 to £515 for knockout matches and £150 to £715 for the Final at Twickenham on October 31.
The key dates to purchase tickets are:
January 1, 2014 – Travelling fan packages go on sale
February 2, 2014 – Hospitality packages go on sale
May/June 2014 – Tickets on sale to Rugby fans through Rugby clubs
September 2014 – General sale application process begins
November/December 2014 – Real time sale of remaining tickets
The public around the world and in the UK can buy travelling fan packages from January 1, allowing them time to make travel arrangements. These will be sold through the Official Travel Agents appointed by RTH (www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours).
In February the hospitality programme will launch via RTH, offering a range of package options, catering for a variety of requirements and budgets (www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality).
The ‘Rugby fans through Rugby clubs’ programme will launch in May/June 2014. England 2015 will work with the RFU and its clubs to make available tickets to club members who support the Game week in, week out in the host nation. England 2015 will also work to make this available to European Rugby Unions. Details on the club ticketing programme will be finalised in early 2014.
In September 2014, one year from the tournament, general sales will begin through a public application process. Fans will be able to apply for tickets with oversubscribed matches being entered into a ballot system. Following a full tender process, England 2015 has appointed Ticketmaster as the official ticketing provider. Ticketmaster is the RFU’s ticketing partner and they will deliver the online platform. The final phase of ticketing will see any remaining tickets go on real time sale in November/December 2014 with an ambition to sell out the grounds ahead of the tournament which kicks off on September 18, 2015.
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