Four teams in hunt for final RWC place

With only one of the 20 Rugby World Cup 2011 finalists yet to be decided, the tournament line-up is four matches away from completion.
Only four teams are left in the race for the final slot in Pool B of the tournament in New Zealand and after this weekend's repechage clashes between Romania and Tunisia and Uruguay and Kazakhstan only two nations will be left in contention.
Generally the repechage matches in the final stages of the RWC qualifying process provide intriguing contests, and the two matches make no exception.
The match between Uruguay and Kazakhstan is their first ever encounter, while Romania and Tunisia have not played each other for nearly 20 years.
Kazakhstan's spectacular advance in the IRB ranking has seen them climbing to an all-time high of 26, having now deposed Korea of the Asian Union eternal runner-up tag, with the ambitious Hong Kong also left behind.
Though Uruguay, ranked 22 and former RWC contenders in 1999 and 2003 are favourites, it is not beyond the realms of probability to see Timur Mashurov and his men producing an upset in Montevideo.
Similarly, Romania, currently ranked 19, are hot favourites to prevail over Tunisia, in the 34th position in the rankings. The two nations have played each other four times, the last of which was in 1993 in Bucharest when Romania prevailed 51-0.

Cohen backs Johnson for Rugby World Cup

England World Cup-winner Ben Cohen says that it would be "disastrous" if England team manager Martin Johnson lost his job before next year's Rugby world cup.
Saturday marks the one year before the rugby world cup final in New Zealand next year and Johnson is under pressure to get England performing.
There have been recent reports that Johnson and his coaching staff could face the sack if England do not impress in the autumn internationals which start next week at Twickenham.
Speaking about the speculation that Johnson could lose his job Cohen said: "So if they don't win these autumn internationals or do well in them, he is going to lose his job? Before the Rugby  World Cup? That would be disastrous."
He added: "He is going to be there until after the World Cup, full stop. Then reassess it.
"There is no point making any changes because you are only going to make things worse. At the moment I think they are in a good place and have a good squad.

Police fear violence if All Blacks don't win RWC

New Zealand police are preparing for a spike in violence if the All Blacks fail to win next year's Rugby World Cup, the Dominion Post newspaper reported Saturday.
"The possibility that the All Blacks will lose has entered into our risk management," commissioner Howard Broad said as police studied the impact sports losses had on crime rates internationally.
Superintendent Grant O'Fee, in charge of policing the World Cup, said that after a Scottish Cup football final between Glasgow clubs Celtic and Rangers, Strathclyde police saw an 80 percent increase in reported domestic violence.
"Now 80 percent in reported family violence is very significant -- only a small proportion of family violence is recorded -- so that got us pretty excited and we discussed it with our partners at the (women's) refuge and we've looked at our own statistics," O'Fee said.

RFU launch social media crackdown

England's leading players have been cautioned about the perils of using social networking and micro-blogging sites such as Facebook and Twitter during next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The warning comes from the Rugby Football Union who have launched the crackdown in an attempt to prevent the kind of embarrassing online outbursts that have plagued other sports. In two recent high-profile incidents, cricketer Kevin Pietersen was fined after revealing on Twitter that he had been dropped by England before the official squad announcement while Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas was suspended for an expletive-laden tirade aimed at national selector Geoff Miller.

However, English rugby's governing body has stopped short of an outright ban on the use of such sites and insist their stance represents "a firming up" of existing guidelines concerning the use of such sites.

Reports had suggested that as well as a ban on the use of Twitter and Facebook, players would also be denied the chance to sign lucrative newspaper columns in what would be a further blow to their own commercial prospects. But the RFU, who outlined their plans to club officials and agents at Twickenham earlier this week, insist that media work and also personal sponsorships are subject to the same review process that existed at the 2003 and 2007 World Cup tournaments.

McCaw demands Grand Slam focus

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw says the prospect of a Grand Slam will stop the All Blacks from getting distracted by their upcoming home World Cup on their northern hemisphere tour.

The All Blacks could be forgiven for having one eye on the 2011 World Cup, which they are clear favourites to win for the first time in 24 years on home soil, given rugby's showpiece is now less than a year away. But McCaw insists his men will have their minds on the job as they tour Britain and Ireland in November.

The All Blacks underlined their status as the world's number one side with an unbeaten success in the Tri Nations earlier this year, with their impressive multi-phase game proving too much to handle for traditional rivals Australia and South Africa.

Graham Henry's men are currently in Hong Kong preparing to take on the Wallabies on Saturday, from there they will head to Britain and Ireland to face England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales as they seek a third clean sweep of the home nations in the last six seasons.

The men in black have not lost to England since 2003, Wales have to go back 57 years for their last success and Ireland and Scotland have yet to record victories against the Kiwis.

But Canterbury openside flanker McCaw, the world's leading exponent at the breakdown, is taking nothing for granted and does not believe his side can afford to look too far ahead.

RFU on a collision course with World cup players

The RFU have announced a crackdown on world cup players commercial, media and online activities during the Rugby World Cup next year.
The RFU held a meeting yesterday and club officials and a large gathering of rugby agents were informed that the governing body will be implementing a range of restrictive measures at the tournament in New Zealand.
The move could cost a player like Jonny Wilkinson hundreds of thousands of pounds in potential income.
The national squad will be banned from using Twitter, Facebook or any other social networking or messaging sites from the moment they board the plane at Heathrow in August until their return in October.

SARugby forced to move Springbok emblem

The leaping Springbok which was recently moved from the left breast of the rugby jersey to the right recently to make way for the Protea, will be move again - this time to the left sleeve for all IRB World Cup events.
This was announced by the South African Rugby Union Friday, a result of deliberations regarding the placement of logos and emblems on the playing jerseys of all South African teams at World Cup events.
Several months of discussions took place with the relevant regulatory authorities before the executive council ruled on the management of the placing of the Springbok logo on team jerseys.
To conform to all contractual and legislative requirements the Springbok logo will be placed on the left sleeve of the playing jersey for the duration of Rugby World Cup tournaments.
This temporary switch only applies to IRB events and mirrors the approach of other international unions.

Jones wants Wales to focus on RWC depth

Wales captain Ryan Jones expects the international season ahead to be 'as tough as it gets' but he wants Wales to start building their world cup squad this November.

Wales have a tough November programme starting with back-to-back clashes against Australia, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand, at the Millennium Stadium in November.

Jones knows Rugby World Cup preparations begin in earnest for his side when 2011 Pool D opponents South Africa and Fiji come to Cardiff on the 13th and 20th November respectively, but he also accepts the two other fixtures on the calendar this autumn, against the Wallabies and the All Blacks (27th November), will provide a vital yardstick to preparations.

Cruise with Fitz

If there is one tour on offer for next year's Rugby World Cup which will define Rugby touring for years to come, it is our Orion Expedition Cruise for the final 18 days of the Tournament.

Together with former Wallaby and media commentator Peter FitzSimons, you will be treated to 5 star quality service and entertainment cruising through New Zealand waters offering experiences the superliners just simply can't offer.

Beautifully appointed cabins, mind blowing service and mouth watering meals. Rugby World Cup is a prestigious event, why not do it in absolute style onbard the only tour of its kind in 2011.

Cabins are selling fast so book your place today to avoid disappointment!

Mortlock plans comeback for Rugby World cup

Former Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock is planning a comeback with the Melbourne Rebels in next year's Super 15 Rugby that will see him regain his place in the Wallaby team for the Rugby World Cup.
Thirty-two year old Mortlock had surgery in May which ruled him out of Wallaby selection this year and he will only make his return in February when the Super15 Rugby tournament kicks off.
"The injury's going really well and that's where I'm focused at the moment," he told AAP on Tuesday.
"That's going really well and the next port of call for me will be to get training ... and down the track we'll see." Mortlock said he's back running and hoped to be able to start full training by the start of December.
"I definitely want to give myself some good lead-in time to the trials next year and be part of those," he said.

Gatland warns English based players for RWC

Warren Gatland has revealed that Welsh qualified players playing in England are unlikely to be included in Wales Rugby world cup squad for the 2011 tournament.
This means that Sale Sharks' Dwayne Peel, Wasps number eight Andy Powell and Gloucester's Nicky Robinson are all unlikely to be going to New Zealand.
The trio were all left out of Gatland's 33-man autumn squad due to the English body Premier Rugby only releasing players at the latest possible date next year and Gatland has started building his world cup squad.
"A major concern going forward is that we have had a letter from the premier rugby saying that players in England wont be released until the 4th August (2011)." said Gatland.

Gatland to lead Wales to 2015 Rugby World cup

The Welsh Rugby Union have announced that Head Coach Warren Gatland has re-signed with the Union and will stay on until the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The WRU Group Chief executive Roger Lewis concluded negotiations with the New Zealander over the weekend. An agreement has been reached to extend the original contract which took his tenure in charge until the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Warren Gatland will continue to coach the senior Wales squad and work with the WRU Performance and Development team to develop a robust player succession plan to identify and nurture the international stars of the future.

During the 6 Nations tournament this season Warren Gatland will become the longest serving coach of Wales and is now set to write an important new chapter in the history of the game as the WRU enters its 130th season.

His first new challenge after this announcement will be against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on 6th November in the opening game of the 2010 Autumn test Series.

Warren Gatland said: "I am proud and delighted to have been chosen by the Welsh Rugby Union to take charge of the Wales team until the conclusion of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

"I have chosen to stay in Wales because of my confidence in the players we have, the coaching structures we have developed and the succession plan of talent we now constantly update, all fully resourced and supported by the WRU.

"I know the other major rugby nations take us seriously as opponents who can play excellent rugby and that inspires me to help take this group of players even further.

Draw

Seeding of teams for the 2011 World Cup was based on their respective IRB World Rankings. The top four at the 2007 Rugby World Cup (South Africa, England, Argentina, and France) were not therefore allocated top pool spots, but "the rankings are now very well established and provide us with a credible and succinct way of seeding teams for the rugby World Cup pool draw," according to Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) chairman Syd Millar.

The draw was conducted in December 2008 and used the World Rankings as of 1 December 2008, after the Northern Hemisphere Autumn internationals. The teams were placed into three bands depending on their seedings at the time, with one team from each band in each of the groups. The rankings and bands were therefore: New Zealand (1), South Africa (2), Australia (3) and Argentina (4); Wales (5), England (6), France (7) and Ireland (8); Scotland (9), Fiji (10), Italy (11) and Tonga (13).

The full draw and venues for the tournament were announced on 12 March 2009.

The opening match will see the hosts, New Zealand, take on Tonga. This will be the first World Cup since 1995 in which the opening match does not involve Argentina.

Auckland options

On 10 November 2006, the New Zealand Government announced plans for Stadium New Zealand  for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The proposal was to build the new stadium seating 70,000 on the Auckland waterfront. After much public outcry, and lack of support from the Auckland Regional Council, the proposal was dropped in favour of the redevelopment of Eden Park.

The redevelopment of Eden Park's Southern and South Western stands are progressing well. The old stands have been demolished and the supporting pillars and beams have been installed. Work is now starting on the first floor of the Southern stand.

Some consents are still to be approved but the Government has announced it is considering passing a law bypassing the consent process to allow all the stadiums' redevelopment to be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup.

Concerns

Some concerns over New Zealand's readiness for the Rugby World Cup have been raised. The process of upgrading Eden Park to expand the capacity to the 60,000+ figure required by the IRB was characterised in late 2008 by the Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully as needing legislative abolishment of the consent process to be completed on time.  A July 2009 report by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, released under the Official Information Act, warned of lack of readiness and complacency, despite the fact that "the levels of patron movement and operational standard are in reality significantly above what is currently delivered."
The construction of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium  has also been a source of concern as the project is operating within a tight time frame. An April 2010 progress report stated that the project remained on target for completion prior to the Rugby World Cup, however there is a medium level of risk with some significant and potentially damaging concerns. If the project is not completed on time, organisers will revert to the backup option of Carisbrook Stadium

Recycling plans released for RWC 2011

Today, the New Zealand Government announced a NZ $2 million dollar recycling programme to ensure the country is an environmentally responsible host of Rugby World Cup 2011 .

The initiative was announced by Environment Minister Nick Smith and will see over 700 ''Love NZ'' recycling stations for glass, plastic and cans at stadiums, Fanzones, main streets, airports, railway stations, bus terminals, campsites and main attractions in the 12 regions hosting RWC 2011 matches.

"The Government is determined that in hosting the largest event in our history, we minimise the impacts on our environment," Dr Smith said.  "We also want to ensure the visiting 85,000 rugby fans and 2,500 international media have an experience that matches our 100% pure brand,” said Dr Smith.

world cup 2011

RWC Tickets  have been available since early 2010. Adult ticket prices range from $60 to $1250. World Cup tickets are also available with official travel packages. The second phase of ticket sales is from Sept 10th 2010 till October 8th 2010 via the official ticketing agents. Any remaining tickets will probably be available in mid 2011.

Towns acting as team bases have also been announced, allowing fans to plan their stays around their teams' locations. Visit our New Zealand Maps page to plan your trip and view the main stadium locations as well as the main NZ tourist towns and cities. Visit our Travelzone for travel information and to help you with your planning. Cheap flights are available to New Zealand at Jetabroad.

To get ready for the Rugby World Cup, start supporting your favourite team by purchasing their rugby gear!!! Show your colors!

Subscribe to our newsletter and be advised as we hear more news about the schedule, tickets and pricing. You may subscribe to this newsletter for free on our newsletter page.

Thirteen Rugby World Cup 2011 cities will host 48 games in a 44 day period. Only one team will prevail as Rugby World Cup 2011 Champion. Witness the raw emotion of intense competition

We are proud to announce to all our global clients, our appointment as an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand!

Of course, at Great Atlantic Travel, we have the International program that you're looking for. Follow your team or select your schedule. We have the best tickets at great prices! No need to sacrifice a great time. You're in complete control with our flexible programs and user-friendly website. Experience the host city/cities of your choice; travel where, when, and how you choose. And most importantly, we have worked hard to build a worldwide reputation of integrity, and real customer services as you should expect.

Countdown to Rugby World Cup Begins

With just one year until Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand (9 September – 23 October 2011), there is still time for fans to experience rugby’s flagship event in its spiritual home.

Rugby World Cup returns to New Zealand for the first time since the inaugural event in Australia and New Zealand in 1987, and the New Zealand national team, The All Blacks, will be keen to mark the event with some exciting matches. Arguably the most passionate Rugby country in the world, for New Zealand, or Aotearoa (Maori for ‘the land of the long white cloud’), rugby is the national religion making the experience unforgettable.

Former Bath, England and British Lions player Gareth ‘Cooch’ Chilcott says, “The All Blacks are again setting the standards leading up to Rugby World Cup, 2011, but this has happened before and can they afford to blow another Rugby World Cup especially on home soil? It will be a fantastic tournament that I for one can not wait to be part of.”

There is still the chance for fans to book their packages to experience what promises to be the best Rugby World Cup ever.

As well as the action on the pitch, there is plenty to discover off the pitch from the stunning scenery of the south to the Maori folklore, hot springs and volcanoes of the north – and the vibrant cities in between.

Coca-Cola becomes RWC 2011 Official SupplierRugby World Cup Limited has announced the appointment of Coca-Cola as the Official Tournament Supplier of Non-Alcoholic Beverages for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. The world’s leading soft beverage producer will provide Rugby’s showcase Tournament with its winning range of soft drinks to refresh fans, while supplying all 20 participating teams with water and its leading sports drink Powerade. The announcement extends Coca-Cola’s long association with the world’s third largest single sports event that stretches back to Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa and underlines Coca-Cola’s commitment to the promotion and development of Rugby worldwide.

Rugby World Cup Limited has announced the appointment of Coca-Cola as the Official Tournament Supplier of Non-Alcoholic Beverages for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

The world’s leading soft beverage producer will provide Rugby’s showcase Tournament with its winning range of soft drinks to refresh fans, while supplying all 20 participating teams with water and its leading sports drink Powerade.

The announcement extends Coca-Cola’s long association with the world’s third largest single sports event that stretches back to Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa and underlines Coca-Cola’s commitment to the promotion and development of Rugby worldwide.

Tana Umaga joins Kiwi stars as Volunteer

• Call goes out for Kiwis to sign up
• Deadline looms - volunteer registrations close this Friday, September 24
• New Zealand's biggest ever recruitment drive

Former All Black captain Tana Umaga has called on Kiwis to get behind Rugby World Cup 2011 Rugby World Cup  2011 and volunteer for the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever staged.

He was today joined by other sports stars and well-known New Zealanders in signing up to be volunteers for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"This is a great event for New Zealand and much, much more than just a sports tournament so I want to do my bit to help make it a success."

Former Silver Ferns Netball coach Dame Lois Muir, squash star Dame Susan Devoy, former Silver Fern and current assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu, veteran sports commentator Keith Quinn, former All White Andy Barron, Wellington chef Martin Bosley, television presenter April Ieremia and former Shortland Street actor Richard Knowles are all putting their hands up to be volunteers.

Rugby World Cup 2011 kick-off times announced

Rugby World Cup 2011 marked another milestone with the announcement of kick-off times for Rugby's most prestigious event.

The announcement comes after the opening of applications for Individual Match Tickets as fans around the world look to book their place at the world's third largest sporting event.

"We have achieved a good balance." said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011. "If New Zealand is to make the most of the platform RWC 2011 gives us to showcase our country to the world, then we need to ensure we maximise the global television audience for key matches.

"What has now been agreed with event-owner Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) will help all hosting regions to promote themselves to the world and help fans, both domestic and international, to get on with planning their RWC 2011 experience with the start of the Tournament now less than a year away.

Preparation and excitement building

At the One Year to Go milestone, the global Rugby Family has expressed its confidence in Tournament preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011...

Senior International Rugby board (IRB) and Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) officials visited New Zealand to celebrate the 365 day countdown to RWC 2011 and expressed their confidence in New Zealand's preparations for the Tournament.

The delgation, which included IRB and RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset, IRB Vice-Chairman and RWCL Director Bill Beaumont and IRB CEO and RWCL Managing Director Mike Miller, were impressed with the progress made since their last visit and enjoyed the postive feeling about the Tournament as they travelled around the country.

Take the long way round for a REAL experience

In 2011, domestic and international visitors will be offered a genuine taste of the country through the REAL New Zealand Festival....

The REAL New Zealand Festival will bring the Rugby world cup 2011 experience alive with a nationwide celebration of New Zealand arts, food and wine, heritage, culture, entertainment, business and lifestyle.

With events all over the country, there'll be plenty of reasons to take the long way round as you travel from match to match.

If it's quintessentially Kiwi, chances are it'll be there. The Festival is for visitors and locals alike - whether you're dropping in to catch some world-class Rugby or simply taking the opportunity to explore your own backyard. 

The REAL New Zealand Festival will run from September 9 - October 23 and will complement the match and team hosting schedule.

There are currently more than 300 events on the festival programme and it will continue to build over the next year, so keep checking back for REAL New Zealand Festival updates as we build up to the biggest festival New Zealand has ever seen

TWENTY11 September edition out now

With less than one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off, the excitement is building. Get all the latest news with the September edition of TWENTY11 - the official newsletter of RWC 2011.

In this issue:

    * RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden shares his best sporting moment
    * Regions across New Zealand celebrate “One Year to Go” in their own unique style
    * Visitors prepare to take the long way round with the REAL New Zealand Festival
    * The global Rugby Family expresses its confidence in Tournament preparations