6 April 2006. Today in Paris Rugby World Cup Limited and the Organising Committee launched the second phase of the public ticket sales programme for RWC 2007. This second phase represents an historic milestone for the Tournament as for the first time ever tickets have been made available direct to the public via the Internet.
“The launch of the second phase of the “Allez au Contact” ticketing sales programme – 18 months from the tournament – shows that the Organising Committee is on target to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup,” said RWCL Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.
“Furthermore, today’s launch is an historic milestone for the Rugby World Cup Tournament as for the first time ever in its 20-year history the rugby public around the world, regardless where they come from, will have the opportunity to purchase team and city ticket packages online without having to purchase travel and accommodation.”
“Previously, those supporters outside the host nation only had access to tickets if they were purchased with accommodation and travel as part of the official international travel programme.”
“The expanded use of the Internet for RWC 2007 as a major ticket distribution tool is an exciting development, one which will assist in opening up the accessibility of tickets for rugby fans all over the world. This is a very positive step for the tournament and continues the delivery of world’s best practice in terms of tournament organisation,” added Dr Millar.
For those rugby supporters preferring to secure travel and accommodation as part of their ticket package purchase this can be done via the official RWC 2007 international travel programme. It is being managed by Rugby Travel & Hospitality 2007 Ltd (http://www.rth07.com/) – the Tournament’s official travel and hospitality providers.
The city and team packages offer rugby supporters the chance to purchase tickets to all their team’s Pool matches or to watch all the matches being played in a specific host city. The packages also include options on quarter-final tickets if their team qualifies.
The next significant ticketing milestone will be towards the end of this year when the rugby public will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to individual matches. This will also be when the majority of semi-final and final tickets will go on sale.
With access to tickets more accessible thanks to distribution via the Internet RWC 2007 will also be affordable to everyone as there is a range of pricing and seating to suit everyone. The team and city packages are available in different price categories with team packages starting at €100 and city packages available for under €50.
“RWCL is delighted that the first phase of the ticketing programme to the Rugby Community across the whole of Europe was very popular and well subscribed. This first release of team and city ticket packages rewarded the loyal rugby family that week in week out supports our great game – including players, volunteers, administrators, spectators and officials,” Dr Millar commented.
“The interest in tickets for Rugby World Cup 2007 is building significantly and supporters obtaining tickets from unofficial sources should be aware that they run the risk of having those tickets cancelled, being refused entry or being rejected from the stadium. Therefore our message is that rugby supporters should only purchase team and city ticket packages or travel and hospitality packages from official sources such as the official ticketing website or authorised travel and hospitality agents.”
“The growth in popularity and success of the Rugby World Cup has continued steadily from the first tournament in New Zealand and Australia in 1987. This growth is set to continue for RWC 2007 in France when we expect over two million spectators to attend matches.”
“Rugby World Cup 2007 in France is on course to be a fantastic event that will last long in our memories. An exciting air of anticipation is starting to build in the rugby community as it will offer an irresistible mix of elite rugby, colourful regional experiences for the travelling supporters and that unique Gallic flavour provided by renowned fine food and wine.”
“It will be an event not to be missed and the International Rugby Board looks forward to welcoming rugby supporters from France and all over the world to Rugby World Cup 2007,” added Dr Millar.
Notes:
Worldwide sales of team and city packages for RWC 2007 will open at: 0400 Buenos Aires, 0900 Paris, 1000 Cape Town, 1600 Tokyo, 1800 Sydney, 1900 Auckland, on 10 April, 2006 at Rugby World Cup 2007 website.
Full details on the packages available, prices and how to purchase tickets is provided on the ticketing site.
Further Information:
Greg Thomas
RWC Head of Communications
+ 353 86 819 6149
Email: greg.thomas@irb.com
Related Items/Links: Rugby World Cup 2007 website