The key figureheads in charge of bringing eight games of Rugby World Cup 2015 to the Millennium Stadium have met in Cardiff this week after 100,000 tickets for games at the home of Welsh rugby sold in the last seven days.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis welcomed England Rugby 2015 Chief Executive Debbie Jevans to the iconic rugby venue to discuss the strong demand for games in Cardiff, including general sale tickets selling out for France v Ireland and both quarter-finals.
More than 1 million tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 have so far been sold through the general sale ballot in September and as tickets went back on sale last week. As the countdown continues to the Tournament, Ms Jevans also met with Cardiff Council Chief Executive Paul Orders and the Deputy Minister for Sport Ken Skates.
The visit followed an historic win for Wales over South Africa to end Wales’ Dove Men Series which also featured Australia, Fiji and New Zealand and attracted a quarter of a million rugby fans to the Millennium Stadium.
Wales and three of their autumn opponents will return to the Millennium Stadium for RWC 2015; Wales play Fiji in Cardiff (1 Oct) after clashing with Uruguay (20 Sep), world champions New Zealand will take on Georgia (2 Oct) and Australia meet Fiji (23 Sep).
Also on the Millennium Stadium turf, Ireland will come up against Canada (19 Sep) and France (11 Oct) before Cardiff’s Rugby World Cup 2015 action culminates with back-to-back quarter-final matches on 17 and 18 October.
“It’s been a fantastic week for Welsh rugby with Wales’ historic win over South Africa and the news from Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers that another 100,000 tickets have sold for games at Millennium Stadium in the last seven days, resulting in general sale tickets selling out for the two quarter finals and France versus Ireland,” said Roger Lewis, WRU Group Chief Executive.
“Rugby World Cup 2015 is at the forefront of our thinking as the Millennium Stadium and the Wales squad gear up for Rugby’s greatest Tournament and it’s a huge pleasure to welcome Debbie Jevans back to the Millennium Stadium.
“Eight games at the Millennium Stadium is a fantastic achievement for Wales and the City region and planning is well underway at the WRU in collaboration with Cardiff council, Welsh Government, England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited.
“The Tournament will generate a huge economic boost to the local economy when all roads lead to Cardiff next year and the key message coming out of Wales is that we are all working hard behind-the-scenes to ensure we deliver a warm and unforgettable welcome.”
He added: “Wales has some of the best rugby fans in the world, an unrivalled matchday atmosphere and arguably the world’s best rugby stadium. Last month’s autumn internationals attracted a quarter of a million visitors. Hundreds of thousands more visitors are expected next year.
“The WRU is proud to work with England Rugby 2015, Rugby World Cup Limited, Welsh Government and Cardiff council to showcase Wales, Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium to rugby supporters from all over the world in 2015.”
England Rugby 2015 Chief Executive, Debbie Jevans, said, “I am delighted to be back in Cardiff and at the Millennium Stadium as Tournament planning continues, following a fantastic end to the autumn series here on Saturday. I would like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff City Council and the Welsh Government for their great support and commitment to the Tournament and I have no doubt that fans will have an absolutely brilliant Rugby World Cup 2015 experience in Cardiff.
“Planning is on track and we are extremely pleased with ticket sales, with over 1 million tickets sold through the general sale ballot in September and the release of remaining tickets last week. The Millennium Stadium is one of the greatest rugby venues in the world and to sell out the general sales tickets for France v Ireland and the two quarter-finals, whilst seeing sales of over 100,000 tickets in just seven days for the Millennium Stadium matches, highlights the excitement already felt across the nation for Rugby World Cup 2015.
“We look forward to welcoming in 2015 and announcing details on the fan zones in each host city, our domestic trophy tour which will launch on 100 days to go (June 10) and spend considerable time in Wales, as well as wider Tournament plans.”
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “Wales has an excellent reputation for holding major events and we as a government are committed to working with organisations, such as the WRU, to continue to attract these to Wales.
“Next year’s Rugby World Cup is an excellent opportunity to showcase Wales on a world stage and I am delighted tickets are selling well. This is a chance to attract new visitors to Wales and we are working hard to ensure we make the most of this opportunity and the economic benefits it will bring across Wales. With one of the greatest rugby stadiums in the world and a match day atmosphere like no other I am confident visitors will get an brilliant taste of what Wales has to offer and return again and again.”
Remaining tickets are on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com and through the official hospitality and support tour programme at www.rugbyworldcup.com
