YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 - AWS
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Engaging the rugby family | Rugby World Cup | World in union | Inspiring participation | Building character | Financial report YEAR IN REVIEW 2014
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
A stellar
year for rugby
Bernard Lapasset
Chairman, World Rugby
Chers amis,
here is no doubt that 2014 was In less than a year, the world’s top male players This investment stretches far wider than
a stellar year for rugby. It was the will gather in England for what promises to be on the field. We continue to invest in player
year of women’s rugby, the year a very special and record-breaking celebration welfare, and concussion education and
that our road to Rio 2016 truly of rugby and the host nation. Like Women’s management remains a priority as we seek
began with men’s and women’s qualification Rugby World Cup 2014, England 2015 will be to make the game as safe to play as possible
and the year that Rugby World Cup 2015 a defining moment for our sport. It will be the for players at all levels via our Medical
proved to be ‘too big to miss’ for sports fans. best-attended, most-watched, most-engaged Commission. We also partnered with the
and most-competitive Rugby World Cup to date. International Rugby Players’ Association to
It was also a defining year for the game’s form the Rugby Athletes’ Commission to give
governing body as we became World Rugby It will also be the most commercially players a voice and undertook a review of
and refocused our mission to grow the successful with worldwide partnerships, game and training load.
global rugby family by underscoring our sponsorships and broadcasters locked down
commitment to attract, engage and inspire in record time with record value. Of course, Growth brings opportunities and challenges and
new audiences and players around the world. Rugby World Cup is much more than a global as we expand we must ensure that we remain
stage to showcase our sport and its finest true to our character-building values. We must
While it is always hard to pick highlights, players. It is also the financial engine that ensure that the respect of match officials is
there was one event that has inspiration in drives the global development of the sport in preserved and that integrity is promoted and
abundance. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 emerging and established rugby nations. protected through robust anti-doping and anti-
was a defining event for World Rugby. It was a corruption education and strategies.
magnificent box-office demonstration of the The commercial success of New Zealand
enormous progress that has been achieved 2011, the record-breaking progress of England While we pause here to look back at 2014,
in the women’s game with investment in high 2015 and the excitement in the marketplace we move forward at pace and look forward to
performance and competition pathways and regarding Japan 2019 has enabled World working with you all in 2015 and beyond as
the enormous profile and participation boost Rugby to commit a record level of investment we bring World Rugby to life and look forward
delivered by rugby sevens’ Olympic Games in rugby between 2009 and 2016. to a record-breaking year and welcoming new
inclusion. participants and audiences to the sport.
World Rugby will be bankrolling an investment
Yet, it was much more than that. France of more than £330 million during this
2014 was a truly fantastic rugby event that period to increase the competitiveness and
filled stadia, captivated broadcast audiences, attractiveness of international rugby and pave
dominated social media and inspired the way for more men, women and children
participation as England lifted the trophy for to try, play and stay in rugby and live our
the first time in 20 years. character-building values.
Back row: A Pichot (Argentina),
P Whelan (Ireland), C Barbieri
(CONSUR), M Hawker (Australia), S Tew
(New Zealand), P Boyle (Ireland),
P Aldous (Canada), J Spencer
(England), B Pulver (Australia)
Middle row: P Camou (France),
M Robinson (New Zealand), M Dodson
(Scotland), H Schuster (FORU), J Roux
(South Africa), O Morariu (Rugby
Europe), A Buchanan (Wales), G Davies
(Wales), K Tokumasu (ARFU), B Gosper
(Chief Executive Officer)
Front row: T Yabe (Japan), A Bougja
(CAR), J Jeffrey (Scotland), O Hoskins
(South Africa, Vice Chairman),
B Lapasset (Chairman), J Laurans
(France), B Latham (NACRA),
B Beaumont (England), G Dondi (Italy)
03
08
20
26
36
38
59
CONTENTS
03 Chairman’s welcome
06 Engaging with the rugby family
08 Rebranding World Rugby
10 World Rugby website and social media highlights
12 In the news
14 World Rugby Awards and Hall of Fame
16 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition
18 Rugby World Cup 2015
20 RWC 2015: Too big to miss
22 Stage set for global celebration of rugby
24 The road to RWC 2015
26 RWC Trophy Tour
28 Match schedule and venues
31 Financial driving force
32 Looking ahead to RWC 2019
34 World in union
36 Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014
38 HSBC Sevens World Series review
39 Women’s Sevens World Series review
40 Sevens set to shine
42 World Rugby tournament review
46 Game analysis
48 Inspiring participation
50 Mapping the game’s global growth
52 Growing the Game Conference
53 Get Into Rugby
54 Around the regions in 2014
57 Investment highlights
58 IMPACT Beyond
59 Regions at the heart of rugby’s growth
60 Exciting times for women’s rugby
62 Training and education
63 Research corner
64 Rugby builds character
66 #recogniseandremove
67 Medical Commission Conference
68 Keep Rugby Clean
70 Keep Rugby Onside
71 Disciplinary developments
72 Match officials
73 Olympic Solidarity
74 Spirit of rugby
76 Financial report
78 Financing the global game
80 Financial report and accounts
95 Meet the team in 2015
05
06
ENGAGING WITH
THE RUGBY
FAMILY
IN THIS SECTION
8 Rebranding World Rugby
10 World Rugby website and social media highlights
12 In the news
14 World Rugby Awards and Hall of Fame
16 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition
07
ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
World Rugby to
inspire new audiences
World Rugby launched in November, underscoring the governing body’s
mission to inspire participation and build a stronger connection with
fans, players and commercial partners worldwide
he new name, brand and logo and inspiring those who have no connection
was approved by Council in with the sport across multiple cultures and
May following a comprehensive languages around the world.
review of the organisation’s brand
positioning against its mission to grow the “Supported by a new name, a distinctive,
game globally. optimistic and progressive new brand, and
clear character-building values, World Rugby
The unveiling at the World Rugby Conference collectively has the ingredients and tools to do
and Exhibition in London on 18 November just that. We want everyone to feel connected
was supported by the new www.worldrugby. with the sport and rugby’s ongoing success
org website and streamlined social media story.”
platforms, which have begun to play a pivotal
role in inspiring new audiences and players at World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset
all levels of the game. added: “Global rugby participation has boomed
by more than two million to 7.23 million
At the heart of the brand is a distinctive players over the past four years, driven by the
positioning, expressed visually through commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World
a modernised and progressive logo that Rugby’s development strategies and record
embodies World Rugby’s mission statement investment, strong and vibrant unions and
to grow the game globally, retaining a link to rugby’s re-inclusion in the Olympic Games.
the organisation’s heritage through its blue
and green colour scheme. “The launch embodies our mission statement
World Rugby’s new to grow the global rugby family beyond our
social media platforms The rebrand comes at a time when rugby traditional base and reflects the federation’s
is experiencing record growth. The name evolution from rugby regulator to rugby
change is designed to resonate with existing inspirer.
fans and attract new audiences across
Twitter multiple cultures and languages. World Rugby “Our new brand certainly stands out and
@worldrugby is modern and inclusive; whether you are a enables us to promote our consumer-facing
@worldrugby7s player, coach, match official or fan, everyone properties in a way that they will be more
@rugbyworldcup is a member of the World Rugby family and appealing and impactful to the sport’s
everyone has a role to play in its prosperity growing global fan base.”
and growth.
The new logo made its public debut in
Engaging and inspiring November and is being rolled out across
Facebook Launching the brand, World Rugby Chief World Rugby’s extensive portfolio of
worldrugby Executive Brett Gosper said: “In an incredibly tournaments, events, programmes and
worldrugby7s competitive global entertainment and materials as the rugby family looks forward to
rugbyworldcup sporting marketplace, rugby must continue to a very special, record-breaking year.
appeal to those who know and love the sport
and its heritage, while attracting, engaging The rebrand will have no impact on Rugby
World Cup 2015 branding or positioning,
which will remain as it is with its iconic logo
throughout the current event cycle. The
“Everyone is a member of the World Rugby family new brand will feature within a new Rugby
World Cup 2019 logo, which will be launched
and everyone has a role to play in its prosperity in 2015 ahead of the hosting baton being
and growth” passed on to Japan.
08
WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY
2014 in brief...
TOP OF THE WORLD FUTURE STARS OF WORLD RUGBY KEEP RUGBY ONSIDE
New Zealand celebrated five years atop the World By the end of 2014, more than 500 players had The governing body’s virtual anti-corruption and
Rugby Rankings on 16 November, 2014. The All graduated from the Junior World Championship and betting education programme – now compulsory for
Blacks have been number one for more than 84 per Junior World Rugby Trophy to the test stage. Among all players, team and match officials at World Rugby
cent of the time since the rankings were introduced them is New Zealand second row Brodie Retallick, tournaments – has been extended to 13 languages
in October 2003. the World Rugby Player of the Year for 2014. with additional resources available in 25 languages.
“The new logo made its public debut in November”
Below: World Rugby Chief Executive Brett
Gosper and Chairman Bernard Lapasset launch
the new World Rugby brand at the World Rugby
Conference and Exhibition in November
09
ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
“A new world record has been
set for the world’s biggest
scrum! More to follow”
Digital and social
#TooBigToMiss #RWC2015
Rugby World Cup platforms engaging
Congratulations to
@Francoishougi - winner new audiences
of IRPA try of the year World Rugby content reaching more fans than ever before
award 2014. Enjoy reliving
W
orld Rugby’s digital activity At the heart of the fan engagement strategy
the action @bokrugby reached new heights in 2014 is a new, streamlined social media approach
World Rugby with live coverage of the focusing on three core social media channels:
Women’s Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup, World Rugby Sevens and
@blitzbokke celebrating their in France, streaming from the men’s and World Rugby working across YouTube, Twitter,
women’s sevens series around the world, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram platforms.
@southafrica7s win staying top
in-depth coverage of the Junior World
of the @hsbc_rugby World Series Championship and increased social activity Rugby World Cup has gained 400,000 new
#sa7s #twittermirror across multiple platforms. followers on Facebook (2.3m total) with a 19
World Rugby Sevens per cent increase since January 2014. Twitter
JWC 2014 was hosted over five match days remains a key focus and over the year the
with all 30 fixtures streamed live. The traffic channel has gained 100,000 new followers
Not surprisingly - the latest to the site intensified as the event reached (293,000 total), a 50 per cent increase across
#GoogleTrends from the final with over 850,000 page views to the the year.
@SouthAfrica7s involved tournament section and more than 50,000
@Seabelo_Senatla of @Blitzboks views of the live coverage. Pick of the platforms
Instagram has been the pick of the platforms
@bokrugby! WRWC 2014 was held in Paris from 1-17 for World Rugby in 2014, with a 200 per cent
World Rugby Sevens August. The site, delivered in both French increase in followers in the final four months
and English, saw unprecedented levels of of 2014 alone (75,000 total). Google+ has
We are excited to launch our support with over 1.6 million page views from grown steadily, reaching 20,000 followers,
new film ahead of #RWC2015 more than 300,000 unique fans worldwide and Vine is delivering great engagement,
following the live coverage. Twenty-four of most recently when the channel received 1.6
tickets going on sale Sept 12. It’s
the 30 matches were streamed live on World million loops on a vine from the Port Elizabeth
#TooBigToMiss http://youtu.be/ Rugby’s digital platforms, showing more Sevens.
bl9ahNhH3Cc than 186,000 total video plays during the
Rugby World Cup tournament. World Rugby Sevens has gained 100,000 new
followers on Facebook (65 per cent increase
A new era begins. The HSBC Sevens Series and Women’s Sevens for the year), as well as 30,000 new followers
Series continue to grow in popularity as the on Twitter, more than doubling the total
18.11.2014. road to Rio continues. With a third of the following to 65,000.
#RugbyBuildsCharacter men’s season now over, video views already
exceed those across all nine rounds of the YouTube provides a platform for all World
@WorldRugby
2013-14 series and each round has seen Rugby video content and in 2014 received
World Rugby a reach of more than 2.5 million fans and 11 million total views, with almost 30 million
500,000 people engaging with content. estimated minutes watched throughout the
Cardiff celebrating year.
Stronger bond with fans
2015 - the year of In conjunction with the unveiling of the new Other new platforms include a geographically
the Rugby World Cup! World Rugby brand in November, new digital
platforms were launched with the aim of
agile Rugby World Cup mobile app aimed at
increasing the reach of World Rugby’s flagship
#RWC2015 creating a stronger bond with existing fans event and new sites for the World Rugby
and players and to reach out and inspire new Sevens Series for both men and women.
Rugby World Cup audiences.
Across all platforms the current total fan base
The new responsive site – www.worldrugby. is in excess of three million, with a weekly
org – integrates World Rugby’s social media reach of more than 10 million, and video
and video platforms to provide a more agile views are exceeding six million each month.
and interactive approach to promoting rugby
and bringing fans closer to its leading events.
10WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY
2014 in brief...
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS NEW FRONTIERS ROAD TO RIO
RWC 2019 hosts Japan entered the World Rugby Costa Rica are the first Central American country The race to qualify for sevens’ debut at the Rio
Rankings top 10 for the first time in 2014 during to become a member of World Rugby after being 2016 Olympic Games began on Australia’s Gold
an 11-test unbeaten run. approved as an associate member in May, opening Coast for men in October and in Dubai for women
a new region in which to grow the game. in December.
Keep in touch with World Rugby on the following digital platforms:
World Rugby Rugby World Cup World Rugby Sevens
www.worldrugby.org www.rugbyworldcup.com www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series
twitter.com/worldrugby facebook.com/rugbyworldcup www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens-
facebook.com/worldrugby twitter.com/rugbyworldcup series
youtube.com/worldrugby twitter.com/worldrugby7s
vine.co/worldrugby facebook.com/worldrugby7s
instagram.com/worldrugby
google.com/+worldrugby
11ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
Record investment in the game
I
n 2014, World Rugby continued to Women’s Rugby World Cup in France was Brazil also received increased high
invest heavily in programmes and a highlight of the year, while investment performance funding to underpin their Rio
tournaments around the globe, enabled Argentina’s Pampas side to join the 2016 participation, while performance case
including increased investment in Pacific Rugby Cup in Australia in March and funding applications were introduced for high
player welfare, anti-doping and integrity win the title. The World Rugby Women’s performance tier two nations. Funding was
programmes and the expansion of the Get Sevens Series will also expand from five to six also provided for the 10 RWC 2015 qualified
Into Rugby mass participation programme. events in 2014-15. high performance tier two nations for their
November 2014 tours.
Independent study supports
rugby’s concussion approach
In November, the World Rugby »» Prior to the introduction of the Pitchside
Council unanimously approved Suspected Concussion Assessment
the extension of the global head (PSCA), players were treated on the field
injury assessment (HIA) trial until and on the run, resulting in 56 per cent of
December 2015, meaning it players returning to the field of play later
will be operational at Rugby determined to have concussion.
World Cup 2015 »» Since the PSCA’s introduction, the number
of players returning to the field of play who
W
orld Rugby’s commitment to were later determined to have sustained a
driving forward concussion concussion has reduced to 12 per cent with
education and prevention the PSCA intervention playing a major role
strategies has been endorsed in cultural change.
by the publication of a major independent »» With an 84.6 per cent accuracy, the PSCA
study. tool is proving successful in identifying
players with concussion and therefore
The British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) informing the removal from the pitch.
published study, The International Rugby
Board Pitch-Side Concussion Assessment The positive conclusions are significant as
Trial: A pilot test accuracy study, determined previous concussion assessment tools used
that rugby’s approach to the management of on the field and on the run failed to match
head injuries in the elite game is successfully the accuracy established with the PSCA (now
enhancing player protection. Head Injury Assessment; HIA).
The study, which covered more than 700 The findings of the report have informed and
matches and 165 head injury events between guided World Rugby’s concussion working
October 2012 and June 2013, was published group in introducing enhancements to the
in July 2014 and determined the following: HIA tool in terms of balance and cognitive
components and an extension of temporary
substitution to 10 minutes.
“The findings of the report have informed and
guided World Rugby’s concussion working group”
12WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY
2014 in brief...
OLYMPIC HISTORY SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA
Australia’s women and France’s men won the first World Rugby’s Facebook fan base is now in excess of
rugby sevens’ Olympic gold medals at the Youth three million with the Twitter following at 400,000,
Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in August. while videos are averaging around five million views
per month on all platforms.
World Rugby
Athletes’
Commission
established
P
layers have been given a new voice and Andrew Trimble (Ireland),
at the elite end of the game with two from men’s sevens, Kyle
the formation of the first World Brown (South Africa) and
Rugby Athletes’ Commission. The Lee Williams (Wales), and
commission is made up of male two from women’s rugby,
and female players from both hemispheres, Rachael Burford (England)
who have been nominated by their respective and Lynne Cantwell
national players’ associations and will discuss (Ireland).
important issues on the playing side of the
game – in both 15s and sevens – such as The commission will
player welfare and law. be supported by
World Rugby and
Underscoring the governing body’s IRPA executive
commitment to ensuring the world’s best staff, along with
players are included within its decision- relevant council
making process, the Athletes’ Commission and committee
is an important and positive initiative in members
helping to shape the game going forward and as required.
comes with the full support of all member
unions and the International Rugby Players’
Association (IRPA).
Its terms of reference were approved by
World Rugby’s Executive Committee in
Singapore in October and the first meeting
took place a month later in London.
Chaired by World Rugby Rugby Committee
Chairman John Jeffrey, the inaugural
meeting was attended by the three men’s
15s representatives, Victor Vito (New
Zealand), Benjamin Kayser (France)
Top: Rachael Burford
Right: Victor Vito; Kyle BrownENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
ie
Brodlick
l
Reta rld
Wo layer
yP
Rugbhe Year
of t
Hat-trick for
the All Blacks
Now in their 13th year, the World Rugby Awards
continue to personify rugby’s character-building values
he awards recognise and celebrate second. A week earlier Samisoni Viriviri had
the achievements of those become the first Fijian to be named IRB
involved at the highest level of the Sevens Player of the Year after crossing for 52
game, as well as the dedication tries during the HSBC Sevens World Series.
and commitment given by those who work
on a voluntary basis, and without whom the At the IRB Junior World Championship in
game would not survive. New Zealand, South Africa captain Handré
Pollard was named IRB Junior Player of the
New Zealand second row Brodie Retallick Year after his side lost 21-20 to England in the
reached new heights with his outstanding final, while compatriot Francois Hougaard’s
level of performance in 2014 to be named spectacular effort in the 27-25 win over New
World Rugby Player of the Year. He edged Zealand in The Rugby Championship was
out Willie le Roux (South Africa), Julian Savea determined as the IRPA Try of the Year.
worldrugby.org/world-rugby-awards (New Zealand), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
and Duane Vermeulen (South Africa) to New Zealand’s Bob Francis received the IRB
follow in the footsteps of teammates and Referee Award for Distinguished Service, while
previous recipients Kieran Read, Dan Carter coaching pioneer Ray Williams was awarded
and Richie McCaw. the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished
Service, shortly before he lost his battle with
The accolade completed a hat-trick of cancer.
awards for New Zealand, as the All Blacks
were named World Rugby Team of the Year The IRB Development Award went to Bidzina
for the eighth time – after a season in which Ivanishvili for his commitment to the growth
they equalled the record for consecutive and development of rugby in Georgia, while
test victories by a major nation – and Steve the Vivendo O Rugby social inclusion project
Hansen the World Rugby Coach of the Year won the Spirit of Rugby accolade.
for a third successive time.
www.worldrugby.org/halloffame Historic inductions
After inspiring Canada to a first Women’s This year also saw the acquisition of the
Rugby World Cup final, Magali Harvey was International Rugby Hall of Fame property
named IRB Women’s Player of the Year. with inductees to be integrated into the World
26
Her length-of-the-field try in the semi-final Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015. This
against France will live long in the memory for means that 37 greats of the game not already
Greats of the those privileged enough to be at the Stade in the Hall of Fame will be inducted with 18
game inducted Jean Bouin in Paris. having already received this honour.
into the Hall of
Fame this year Sevens stars In a record-breaking year for women’s rugby,
13
The IRB Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2014 also saw the first inductees of female
accolade went to Emilee Cherry after an legends into the Hall of Fame at the World
Number of years
the World Rugby incredible season which saw her finish as top Rugby Conference and Exhibition in November,
Awards have points and try scorer on the IRB Women’s including World Cup winners Gill Burns, Patty
been running Sevens World Series as Australia finished Jervey, Anna Richards and Farah Palmer.
14WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY
AWARD WINNERS IRB REFEREE AWARD FOR
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE:
Michael Jones (New Zealand), Ian
Kirkpatrick (New Zealand), John
Bob Francis (New Zealand) Kirwan (New Zealand), Fred Allen
WORLD RUGBY PLAYER (New Zealand), Grant Fox (New
OF THE YEAR: VERNON PUGH AWARD FOR Zealand), Terry McLean (New
Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Zealand), Graham Mourie (New
Ray Williams (Wales) Zealand), Nathalie Amiel (France),
WORLD RUGBY TEAM Gill Burns (England), Patty Jervey
OF THE YEAR: IRB DEVELOPMENT AWARD: (USA), Carol Isherwood (England),
New Zealand Bidzina Ivanishvili (Georgia) Anna Richards (New Zealand),
Farah Palmer (New Zealand), Keith
WORLD RUGBY COACH SPIRIT OF RUGBY AWARD: Rowlands (Wales), Jim Greenwood
OF THE YEAR: Vivendo O Rugby (Brazil) (Scotland), JPR Williams (Wales),
Steve Hansen (New Zealand) Michael Lynagh (Australia),
IRPA TRY OF THE YEAR: Jo Maso (France), Keith Wood
IRB WOMEN’S PLAYER Francois Hougaard (Ireland), Ieuan Evans (Wales),
OF THE YEAR: (South Africa v New Zealand) Jason Leonard (England), Bill
Magali Harvey (Canada) Beaumont (England)
2014 HALL OF FAME
IRB SEVENS PLAYER OF INDUCTEES:
THE YEAR IN ASSOCIATION Colin Meads (New Zealand),
WITH HSBC: George Nepia (New Zealand),
Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji) Don Clarke (New Zealand),
Sean Fitzpatrick
IRB WOMEN’S SEVENS (New Zealand),
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Emilee Cherry (Australia)
IRB JUNIOR PLAYER
OF THE YEAR:
Handré Pollard
(South Africa)
Left: Magali Harvey (Canada)
Above: IRPA Try of the Year winner Francois Hougaard
Below: Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji)
Left: Emilee Cherry (Australia)
Above: Handré Pollard (South Africa)
Below: Gill Burns with Bernard Lapasset
15ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
A truly
global affair
The second World Rugby Conference and Exhibition
took place in London on 17-18 November
uilt around the Growing the Game Maximise the benefits and Farah Palmer. The IRB Development
Conference, World Rugby Medical The afternoon opened with Olympic Rugby Award and Spirit of Rugby Award were also
Commission Conference and Sevens – Faster, Higher, Stronger, which presented at the event.
the inaugural Rugby Athletes’ focused on how rugby can maximise the
Commission meeting, some 730 delegates benefits to be had from being part of Rio 2016 Day two began with a keynote address
and exhibitors representing 55 countries were and the challenges faced in ensuring the from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014
in attendance for two days of insightful plenary sport remains part of the Olympic programme winner Maggie Alphonsi, who spoke about
sessions, keynote speeches and workshops. beyond the Tokyo Games in 2020. her 11-year journey to the top of the
international game and the highs and lows
First up was The State of the Union debate Player welfare is always at the forefront of she encountered along the way.
involving three legends of the game in Sean World Rugby’s thinking and an esteemed
Fitzpatrick, Thomas Castaignède and Agustín panel of medical experts then took to the In the Mind Games – the making of
Pichot. They discussed a wide range of issues, stage for the Concussion – driving cultural champions session, England’s RWC
from Olympic inclusion to the need for a change session to consider the ways rugby 2003-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward was
global season to growing the game worldwide. can change attitudes with regards to among those sharing his thoughts on the
concussion, its impact on players and how it importance of ‘the top two inches’ in sport
The Future of Major Event Sponsorship affects the overall game. and what it takes to separate the best from
plenary session then discussed the continued the rest from a mental perspective.
growth of rugby into new markets and its The opening day concluded with an awards
increasing attractiveness to commercial and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Fifteen Crown jewel of rugby
partners while, in the Exhibition Hall, former legends of the game were inducted into the Key decision-makers and administrators
Great Britain Paralympic Games 2012 World Rugby Hall of Fame, including the first throughout the game then spoke about Rugby
wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown told his six females in Nathalie Amiel, Patty Jervey, World Cup’s qualities as the crown jewel of
inspirational story. Gill Burns, Carol Isherwood, Anna Richards rugby ahead of England 2015 and RWC 2019
in Japan.
Humongous 2 x days of Rugby associated Great news to hear that women’s Rugby
content and meetings! @IRNConfEx 2015 and legends Gill Burns and Carol Isherwood have It was revealed during the Rugby World Cup
beyond is going to be truly incredible been inducted into the #IRB Hall of Fame at – past and future session that next year’s
@mrpeterwhite the @IRBConfEx tournament is set to deliver nearly £1 billion of
Peter White @MaggieAlphonsi additive value into the UK economy.
Maggie Alphonsi MBE
A new era begins. 18.11.2014. The future of rugby broadcasting and
#RugbyBuildsCharacter Open, informative and highly engaging fan engagement was up for discussion
@WorldRugby #IRBConfEx session on concussion today in the third plenary session of the day
World Rugby #RecogniseAndRemove before Integrity – protecting integrity and
@dominicrumbles promoting inclusion brought the informative
Dominic Rumbles sessions to a close, leaving the final act to
World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper,
Who just got inducted in @IRBConfEx @ who unveiled the governing body’s new
IRBMedia Hall of Fame? #Legend brand in his closing speech.
@RupertMoon
Rupert Moon (After Ieuan Evans was Left: The 2014 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition
inducted into the Hall of Fame) attracted more social media activity than ever before
16WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY
2014 in brief...
GROWING THE GAME THE FINAL QUALIFIER
World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby mass participation Uruguay became the final qualifier for Rugby World 2014 to determine the eight nations who would join
programme is now operational in 137 territories Cup 2015 by beating Russia. The qualification the 12 direct qualifiers from New Zealand 2011.
and has introduced more than 500,000 youngsters process involved a record 83 nations and 203
to the game around the world. matches between 24 March, 2012 and 11 October,
PANEL MEMBERS CONCUSSION – DRIVING
CULTURAL CHANGE
Shimazu (Japan Rugby 2019 Chief Executive),
Bob Beaumont (RFU Chairman).
Dr Martin Raftery (World Rugby Chief Medical
THE STATE OF THE UNION Officer), Dr Willie Stewart (Consultant THE FUTURE OF
Sean Fitzpatrick (former New Zealand captain), Neuropathologist, NHS Greater Glasgow and RUGBY BROADCASTING
Thomas Castaignède (former France player), Clyde), Dr Jon Patricios (Sports physician and AND FAN ENGAGEMENT
Agustín Pichot (former Argentina captain). concussion consultant to SARU and World Dan Mannix (President and CEO, LeadDog
Rugby), Dr Robert Cantu (Clinical Professor of Marketing Group), Niall Sloane (Director of
THE FUTURE OF MAJOR Neurology and Neurosurgery and co-founder Sport, ITV), Patrick Walker (Chief Commercial
EVENT SPONSORSHIP CTE Center Boston, University School of Officer, Rightster), Murray Barnett (World
Tim Ellerton (Global Sponsorship Manager, Medicine), Rob Nichol (International Rugby Rugby Head of Commercial, Broadcasting and
Heineken International), Mark Cameron Players’ Association Executive Director). Marketing).
(Global Brand Experience Director, Jaguar
Land Rover), Sophie Goldschmidt (RFU Chief MIND GAMES – THE INTEGRITY –
Commercial and Marketing Officer). MAKING OF CHAMPIONS PROTECTING INTEGRITY
Clive Woodward (Rugby World Cup 2003 AND PROMOTING INCLUSION
OLYMPIC RUGBY SEVENS winning coach), Tim Harkness (Club Susan Ahern (World Rugby Head of Legal and
– FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER psychologist, Chelsea Football Club), Anna Legislative Affairs), Craig Reedie (World Anti-
Andrew Ryan (Association of Summer Olympic Richards (four-time Women’s Rugby World Doping Agency President), Ronnie Flanagan
International Federations (ASOIF)), Octavian Cup winner with New Zealand and now Hong (Chairman of the International Cricket Council’s
Morariu (Rugby Europe President, IOC Member Kong women’s sevens coach), Jeremy Snape Anti-Corruption and Security Unit), Fiona
and World Rugby Council Member), Mark (founder of Sporting Edge). Coghlan (former Ireland captain).
Egan (World Rugby Head of Competitions and
Performance), Agustín Pichot (World Rugby RUGBY WORLD CUP
Council Member for Argentina, Chairman – PAST AND FUTURE
of World Rugby Sevens Strategy Group and Alan Gilpin (World Rugby Head of Rugby
former Argentina captain), Rachael Burford World Cup), Debbie Jevans (England Rugby Above left: Keynote speaker Maggie Alphonsi
Above: The World Rugby zone in the Exhibition Hall; Sean
(England Sevens and Women’s Rugby World 2015 Chief Executive), Steve Tew (New Fitzpatrick and Thomas Castaignède discuss The State
Cup 2014 winner). Zealand Rugby Chief Executive), Akira of the Union
1718
RUGBY
WORLD CUP
IN THIS SECTION
20 RWC 2015: Too big to miss
22 Stage set for global celebration of rugby
24 The road to RWC 2015
26 RWC Trophy Tour
28 Match schedule and venues
31 Financial driving force
32 Looking ahead to RWC 2019
19RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
RWC Too big to miss
2015 BY
Rugby World Cup 2015 will be a box office hit,
bringing together record in stadia, broadcast
and social audiences for a six-week festival of rugby
NUMBERS
s 2015 dawned, Rugby World An event of the scale of Rugby World Cup is
Cup was firmly established as not possible without people and teamwork.
23
the must-see event of the year, Six thousand volunteers, called ‘The Pack’, will
with more than five million ticket ensure that whether you are a fan or a player,
applications received during the September every need will be catered for.
general ticketing period – the highest
Number of matches demand for any Rugby World Cup. For the host union, the event will deliver
in which demand for multiple benefits and the RFU is well-
every price category More than 1.8 million tickets have been sold, positioned to reap the rewards with the
of ticket was including 170,000 supporter tour package biggest-ever legacy and impact programme.
exceeded
sales in more than 50 nations and record The foundations are firmly in place to attract
hospitality sales, illustrating just why England and retain new players, coaches, referees and
48
2015 will be too big to miss. volunteers, while the festival of rugby will bring
schools, clubs and communities together in
England 2015 has also reached out to more celebration of the sport before and during its
people in more places than ever before. showcase event..
Huge demand for The Webb Ellis Cup made its way across 10
tickets meant that countries, including Japan, Australia, Fiji, So, as the Rugby World Cup year kicks off,
every single match Argentina, South Africa, USA, China and the the ambition is that England will feel like
went to ballot in UAE, as part of the Rugby World Cup 2015 a rugby nation throughout 2015 and that
at least one price Trophy Tour, delivered in partnership with Rugby World Cup Limited, in partnership with
category Land Rover and DHL, engaging with players, England Rugby 2015 and the RFU, will deliver
fans, schools and rugby clubs as the world a tournament that both excites and inspires
650,000
gets ready for a celebration of rugby in 2015. the nation while keeping rugby at its heart.
Domestic Trophy Tour Below: Twenty nations are counting down to the start of
In 2015 a nationwide domestic Trophy Tour Rugby World Cup 2015 in England
Ticket applications will bring people across England, Scotland Above right: Charles Dance delivers a stirring team talk
for the Pool A match and Wales even closer to the event, rugby and
in the RWC 2015 ticketing campaign film
Below right: Host city Newcastle began its countdown to
between England its character-building values. RWC 2015 by lighting up the iconic Tyne Bridge
and Australia at
Twickenham
5M+ 1.85M
Ticket Tickets for
applications RWC 2015
for RWC 2015 sold by the
received in the end of 2014
17-day general
sale window in
September
20WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
RWC
2015 BY
NUMBERS
460,000
Overseas visitors
expected to come to
the United Kingdom
during RWC 2015
500,000+
The growth of users
of the Rugby World
Cup social media
platforms in 2014
10,000
Interviews
conducted around
the host cities to
determine the 6,000
volunteers required
for ‘The Pack’
41
Number of
13
Number of
team bases venues to be
that will used at RWC
cater for the 2015 across
20 teams the 11 host
during the cities
tournament
21RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
Stage set
for global
celebration
of rugby
England 2015 is set to be a very special and record-breaking global
celebration of rugby as a stellar year ended with preparations well and
truly on track to deliver the biggest and best Rugby World Cup to date
RWC
n every front, England 2015 will People make great events, and fans and
exceed previous records. It will be players will be at the heart of England 2015.
the best attended, most viewed, In an era of social networking, the event will
most socially engaged, biggest engage new audiences and strengthen the
2015
legacy-delivering and hopefully the most bond with existing fans through innovative
competitive Rugby World Cup ever. initiatives. In 2014 alone, the Rugby World
Cup social media platforms grew by more
By the end of 2014, 75 per cent of tickets than 500,000 users.
BY had been sold, official supporter tour sales
NUMBERS had exceeded 2007 levels and the hospitality Competitive and compelling
programme is on track to be the biggest for On the field, World Rugby’s investment
20,000+
any event hosted in the UK. strategy has been geared towards ensuring a
competitive and compelling Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup also continues to attract and 2015. An equitable match schedule, superb
Record hours of live inspire new audiences. The global broadcast facilities and great venues will mean that the
coverage to be broadcast in platform should see more than 20,000 20 teams have all they need to perform to their
over 205 territories
hours of coverage reach viewers in over 205 potential on rugby’s biggest stage.
territories with an expanded footprint in
2,835
Asia, underscoring the growth of the sport Legacy has been at the forefront of planning.
worldwide. IMPACT Beyond 2015, a collaboration
between World Rugby, Rugby Europe and
Most points ever scored in England 2015 is also on track to be the most the Rugby Football Union, is the most
a single Rugby World Cup, in commercially successful tournament to comprehensive to date and is set to deliver
2003 in Australia
date. The top level Worldwide Partners were sustainable benefits for the sport in England
locked down in record time with record value, and throughout Europe with an ambition of
underscoring the enormous appeal of the more than 500,000 new players attracted
brand in the global sporting marketplace. and retained.
With the commercial programme accounting
for 90 per cent of World Rugby’s revenues,
this is great news for future investment in Above right: Manchester City Stadium will host Rugby
rugby worldwide with the governing body World Cup 2015 matches
Below right: Australian fans will be among the 460,000
investing more than £330 million between overseas visitors expected to come to the UK during
2009 and 2016. Rugby World Cup 2015
22WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
RWC
2015 BY
NUMBERS
300
The match number in RWC
history for the Pool D encounter
between Ireland and Romania
at Wembley Stadium on 27
September
40
The age of
12
The number of
Uruguay years to have
captain Diego passed since
Ormaechea Uruguay last
when he played played on the
at RWC 1999, Rugby World
making him the Cup stage
oldest player
to grace the
tournament
23RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
The road to
Rugby World
Cup 2015
Uruguay claimed the 20th and final place at Rugby
World Cup 2015 by beating Russia over two legs in
the repechage final in October
he qualification process had ASIA (ARFU)
begun 932 days earlier, when RWC 2019 hosts Japan lived up to their billing
Mexico hosted Jamaica in March as favourites to qualify for England 2015 with
2012, and involved a record a seventh successive Asian 5 Nations title in
83 nations and 203 matches. Canada had May, beating Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Korea
become the first nation to emerge from and Hong Kong to take the Asia 1 place in
the process in August 2013, with Georgia, Pool B. Hong Kong took it to the final match in
Romania, USA, Japan, Fiji, Namibia and Tokyo, but try-bursts either side of half-time
Uruguay following in their footsteps to book saw Japan to a 49-8 win. Hong Kong entered
their places at England 2015. the repechage but saw their dreams ended
with a 28-3 defeat by Uruguay.
AFRICA (CAR)
Namibia qualified for a fifth successive Rugby OCEANIA (FORU)
World Cup by winning the Africa Cup Division Fiji will face hosts England in the opening match
1A in early July, although they did it the hard Rugby World Cup’s at Twickenham after beating the Cook Islands to
way after losing their first match to Kenya in social media platforms claim the Oceania 1 berth in Pool A. The visitors
Madagascar. That defeat put Namibia in the to Churchill Park did lead 6-5 as the half-hour
last chance saloon, but they beat Zimbabwe Official site mark approached, but a four-try burst made
24-20 and then overwhelmed Madagascar www.rugbyworldcup.com it 29-6 to the Fijians at half-time. Twelve more
89-10. That margin of victory proved decisive tries followed after the break with Nemani
as Namibia qualified on points difference Nadolo completing his hat-trick as Fiji – the 83rd
after they, Zimbabwe and Kenya all finished and final team to enter the qualification process
on 10 points. Namibia joined Pool C, while Facebook – beat the Oceania Cup 2013 winners 108-6.
Zimbabwe’s dream of a first RWC since 1991 www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup
was ended by Russia in the repechage. EUROPE (RUGBY EUROPE)
Georgia and Romania continued their unbeaten
AMERICAS (NACRA/CONSUR) run in the European Nations Cup 2014 to
USA and Uruguay faced off in the Americas Twitter qualify with two rounds to spare, but it came
2 play-off in March to determine who would @rugbyworldcup down to their meeting in Tbilisi on 15 March
join South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and to determine who would be Europe 1 and 2.
the Asian qualifier in Pool B. The first leg in Georgia triumphed 22-9 before a 30,000
Montevideo ended in stalemate after Agustín crowd to secure a dream match against
Ormaechea’s late try secured Uruguay a world champions New Zealand in Pool C, with
27-27 draw. A week later, in Atlanta, Uruguay Romania joining Pool D. Russia finished third to
looked on course for an upset after leading stay in the qualification hunt and after a scare
13-3 at half-time, but the Eagles regrouped against Germany they took Europe’s place in the
and scored 29 unanswered points to emerge repechage, where they overcame Zimbabwe
victorious, 59-40 on aggregate. 23-15 before Uruguay ended their hopes.
24WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
RWC
2015
QUALIFYING BY
NUMBERS
9,876
Number of points
scored in the RWC 2015
qualification process
83
Nations to have taken
part in the biggest
qualification process
for a single Rugby
World Cup
7
Number of
203
Number of
nations to matches in
qualify for the RWC 2015
RWC 2015 in qualification
2014 (Georgia, process
Romania, USA,
Japan, Fiji,
Namibia and
Uruguay)
108
The points Fiji
scored in their
932
victory over
the Cook
Islands
The number of to qualify for
days RWC 2015 as
between the Oceania 1
first qualifier
in Mexico
City and the
final one in
Montevideo
Top left: Uruguay will return to the RWC stage for the first
time since 2003
From top: Nemani Nadolo scored a hat-trick for Fiji
against the Cook Islands. Georgia beat Romania to secure
a dream tie against New Zealand. USA celebrate after
overcoming Uruguay to qualify as Americas 2
Left: Japan remain the only Asian side to grace the Rugby
World Cup stage
Above: Namibia battled back to qualify for a fifth succes-
sive tournament
25RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
Rugby
World Cup
Trophy Tour
In May, the Webb Ellis Cup embarked on
a 12-month journey to showcase the game’s
most iconic trophy to audiences around the world
in the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2015
Above: Australia’s RWC 1999 winner George Gregan
Below: The Webb Ellis Cup at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai
Right: Nathan Sharpe took on boomerang expert LaddieTimberry in Sydney
in the DHL Rugby vs the World Challenge
Below right: Felipe Contepomi, Martin Landajo and Tomás Cubelli
26WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
126,634 The miles that the Webb Ellis
Cup flew around the world on
the Trophy Tour in 2014
elivered in partnership with Land Highlights from the Webb Ellis Cup’s travels In 2015 the Webb Ellis Cup will travel to Italy,
Rover and DHL, the Rugby World in 2014 include mixing with more than 200 Romania, Canada, Germany and France
Cup Trophy Tour is the first of its schoolchildren at the Minato Rugby School in before returning to England on 10 June to
kind and has already touched Tokyo, boarding HMS Iron Duke in Cape Town, start the domestic Trophy Tour and mark
down in Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, paying a visit to Madagascan champions TFM exactly 100 days to go until the start of the
South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE Ankasina’s training ground in Antananarivo, showpiece event.
and China. visiting the New York Police Department
Rugby Club in Central Park and being For more information on the Trophy Tour,
From club and school visits to RWC 2015 serenaded by a Welsh choir at the British visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/trophy-tour
qualifiers, the Trophy Tour has engaged with Consulate in Hong Kong.
people from a wide range of different cultures
and backgrounds, capturing the imagination of The Trophy Tour has also connected with
thousands and inspiring people from all walks online audiences around the world, and
of life to play and support the game of rugby. fans everywhere have been joining in this
international celebration of the game by
Each leg of the tour includes a visit to a uploading their favourite rugby photos to
rugby club and school, a reception, a unique Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Vine using the
activation delivered by the presenting hashtag #CelebratingRugby.
partners and a visit to an iconic landmark.
Left: Christian Cullen in New York Above: The Land Rover ‘Least Driven Path’ passes Mount Fuji
Above: Shane Williams meets a sumo wrestler Below: Youngsters in Antananarivo, Madagascar, were excited by the visit of
Below: Webb Ellis Cup in Montevideo the Trophy Tour
27RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
MATCH SCHEDULE
POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D
AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA NEW ZEALAND FRANCE
ENGLAND SAMOA ARGENTINA IRELAND
WALES SCOTLAND TONGA ITALY
FIJI JAPAN GEORGIA CANADA
URUGUAY USA NAMIBIA ROMANIA
Fri Sep 18, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Sep 19, 16:45 - Brighton Community Stadium Sat Sep 19, 12:00 - Kingsholm Stadium Sat Sep 19, 14:30 - Millennium Stadium
England v Fiji South Africa v Japan Tonga v Georgia Ireland v Canada
Sun Sep 20, 14:30 - Millennium Stadium Sun Sep 20, 12:00 - Brighton Community Stadium Sun Sep 20, 16:45 - Wembley Stadium Sat Sep 19, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium
Wales v Uruguay Samoa v USA New Zealand v Argentina France v Italy
Wed Sep 23, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium Wed Sep 23, 14:30 - Kingsholm Stadium Thu Sep 24, 20:00 - Olympic Stadium Wed Sep 23, 20:00 - Olympic Stadium
Australia v Fiji Scotland v Japan New Zealand v Namibia France v Romania
Sat Sep 26, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Sep 26, 16:45 - Villa Park Fri Sep 25, 16:45 - Kingsholm Stadium Sat Sep 26, 14:30 - Elland Road
England v Wales South Africa v Samoa Argentina v Georgia Italy v Canada
Sun Sep 27, 12:00 - Villa Park Sun Sep 27, 14:30 - Elland Road Tue Sep 29, 16:45 - Sandy Park Sun Sep 27, 16:45 - Wembley Stadium
Australia v Uruguay Scotland v USA Tonga v Namibia Ireland v Romania
Thu Oct 1, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium Sat Oct 3, 14:30 - Stadium MK Fri Oct 2, 20:00 - Millennium Stadium Thu Oct 1, 20:00 - Stadium MK
Wales v Fiji Samoa v Japan New Zealand v Georgia France v Canada
Sat Oct 3, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Oct 3, 16:45 - St James’ Park Sun Oct 4, 14:30 - Leicester City Stadium Sun Oct 4, 16:45 - Olympic Stadium
England v Australia South Africa v Scotland Argentina v Tonga Ireland v Italy
Tue Oct 6, 20:00 - Stadium MK Wed Oct 7, 16:45 - Olympic Stadium Wed Oct 7, 20:00 - Sandy Park Tue Oct 6, 16:45 - Leicester City Stadium
Fiji v Uruguay South Africa v USA Namibia v Georgia Canada v Romania
Sat Oct 10, 16:45 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Oct 10, 14:30 - St James’ Park Fri Oct 9, 20:00 - St James’ Park Sun Oct 11, 14:30 - Sandy Park
Australia v Wales Samoa v Scotland New Zealand v Tonga Italy v Romania
Sat Oct 10, 20:00 - Manchester City Stadium Sun Oct 11, 20:00 - Kingsholm Stadium Sun Oct 11, 12:00 - Leicester City Stadium Sun Oct 11, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium
England v Uruguay USA v Japan Argentina v Namibia France v Ireland
QF1 QF2 QF3 QF4
SAT OCT 17, 16:00 SAT OCT 17, 20:00 SUN OCT 18, 13:00 SUN OCT 18, 16:00
TWICKENHAM STADIUM MILLENNIUM STADIUM MILLENNIUM STADIUM TWICKENHAM STADIUM
WINNER POOL B WINNER POOL C WINNER POOL D WINNER POOL A
RUNNER-UP POOL A RUNNER-UP POOL D RUNNER-UP POOL C RUNNER-UP POOL B
SF1 BRONZE FINAL SF2
SAT OCT 24, 16:00 FRI OCT 30, 20:00 SUN OCT 25, 16:00
TWICKENHAM STADIUM OLYMPIC STADIUM TWICKENHAM STADIUM
WINNER QF1 RUNNER-UP SF1 WINNER QF3
WINNER QF2 RUNNER-UP SF2 WINNER QF4
TOO BIG TO MISS FINAL
FOR TICKETS GO TO SAT OCT 31, 16:00
TICKETS.RUGBYWORLDCUP.COM TWICKENHAM STADIUM
# RWC2015 WINNER SF1
WINNER SF2
All matches are BST, except for those played on or after Oct 25 which are GMT (UTC). Subject to change.
TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008.
28WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
VENUES
NEWCASTLE
LEEDS
MANCHESTER
LEICESTER
BIRMINGHAM
MILTON
KEYNES
GLOUCESTER
WEMBLEY
CARDIFF
TWICKENHAM
STRATFORD
BRIGHTON
EXETER
N
W E
S
29DON’T BE LET DOWN
ONLY BUY TICKETS FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES:
• REMAINING TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE NOW
• OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE
• TICKET-INCLUSIVE SUPPORTER TOUR PACKAGES AVAILABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
RUGBYWORLDCUP.COM/BUYOFFICIAL
TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 1986.WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
The financial
driving force
behind rugby’s
growth
Rugby World Cup’s brand strength is delivering
record investment into the game
ugby World Cup is one of the most So, what does this all mean for community and Below: Rugby World Cup is a thriving brand with a global
footprint and strong values, as seen here in Madagascar
popular and iconic tournaments elite rugby? The growing strength of Rugby
on the major event calendar, World Cup means that World Rugby is able to
bringing together the global rugby drive record investment into the game at all
family for a six-week celebration of the sport levels, committing £330 million in the sport’s
and its character-building values. development from 2009-16 to ensure that
rugby can reach out, attract, inspire and retain
Yet it is also the driving force behind the new players, fans and commercial partners.
global development of rugby, generating
nearly 90 per cent of the revenues
distributed by World Rugby for the growth
and sustainability of the sport across its 120
member unions.
Brands are attracted to Rugby World Cup
because it is a modern, thriving brand with
a truly global footprint and strong values.
Indeed the Worldwide Partner programme
for Rugby World Cup 2015 was locked
down in record time and with record value,
underscoring the prestige of the brand in the
global sporting marketplace.
Long-term sponsorships and broadcast deals
have also been complemented with new brands
joining the portfolio of commercial partners,
with Coca-Cola extending its partnership that
stretches back to 1995 and Canon joining the
sponsor family for the first time.
Rugby World Cup’s ability to innovate and
engage with fans through digital and social
media and television production techniques
also makes the event a strong proposition
for broadcasters. With broadcast contracts
comprising roughly 60 per cent of World
Rugby’s revenues, it is an important area for
Rugby World Cup and the sport.
31RUGBY WORLD CUP BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886
Excitement as
Japan prepares to
host RWC 2019
Despite the fact that Rugby World Cup 2015 has not taken
place yet, the countdown has already started for what will
be another spectacular tournament four years later
he decision to take the game’s From Sapporo City in the north of the country
pinnacle event to Japan created right down to Nagasaki and Kumamoto in the
“Japan has a strong enormous excitement around the south, there is a genuine geographical spread
history of delivering world and it will be the first time of proposed venues, meaning that fans will
Asia has hosted a Rugby World Cup. be at the very heart of the event. There is also
world-class sports a healthy mix of stadium capacities ranging
events with an excellent The opportunity for rugby in Japan and
throughout the continent is enormous and
from 80,000 in Tokyo to 15,000 at Kamaishi
City in the Iwate Prefecture.
infrastructure, state- it is also being seen as a chance for cities all
The full list of applicants:
of-the-art venues and over the country to get involved.
»» Sapporo City
people who love to The venue selection process for RWC 2019 »» Iwate Prefecture and Kamaishi City
engage and be part of is already a long way down the line. No
fewer than 15 cities the length and breadth
»» Sendai City
»» Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya City
the celebration” of Japan have applied to host matches »» Tokyo
and this demonstration of confidence and »» Shizuoka Prefecture
Bernard Lapasset commitment has come as a huge boost to »» Aichi Prefecture and Toyota City
the local organising committee. »» Osaka Prefecture and Higashi Osaka City
»» Kyoto City
With the submission phase of the bidding »» Kobe City
process for the hosting of matches now »» Fukuoka City
closed, each application will be closely »» Oita Prefecture
assessed with the 10-12 successful cities »» Kumamoto Prefecture and Kumamoto City
or prefectures being announced in the first »» Nagasaki Prefecture
quarter of next year. »» Yokahama and Kanagawa Prefecture
15
Number of
Japanese cities
that have applied
to host matches
during RWC 2019
32WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP
“I am confident that
despite any challenges
each applicant may
face, they will be up to
the task. I am truly grateful
for their interest in hosting
Rugby World Cup 2019”
Akira Shimazu
For Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman their interest in hosting Rugby World Cup 2019.
80,000
Bernard Lapasset, the enthusiasm being The host cities will be our full partners, and we
shown by the Japanese cities came as a will select them in a fair and comprehensive
welcome indication of how Japan is preparing process to ensure a Rugby World Cup that is
to host World Rugby’s flagship tournament. successful nationwide and worldwide.”
Largest capacity stadium that
“It is very encouraging for us to note the huge Japan Rugby 2019 was established as the
has applied to host matches
level of interest in Japan to host matches for tournament organiser for Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2019,” he said. “The fact 2019. The board of JR 2019 is made up of
that the tournament has the full backing of leading figures from the sports, business and
15,000
local and national government is particularly government sectors of Japan and it is steering
pleasing and it is essential for its success. Japan the delivery of the tournament, ensuring that
has a strong history of delivering world-class all operational and legacy goals are delivered in
sports events with an excellent infrastructure, line with the event strategic and master plan.
state-of-the-art venues and people who love to Smallest capacity stadium that
engage and be part of the celebration.” Rugby World Cup is the financial engine has applied to host matches
behind unprecedented investment and
Planning for success growth in rugby worldwide. The net Rugby
Chief Executive of Japan Rugby 2019 Akira World Cup surplus from the commercial
Shimazu said: “The standards required to host success of France 2007 and New Zealand
matches at Rugby World Cup are very high but, 2011 has enabled World Rugby to invest
nevertheless, many local governments have more than £150 million in the game between
submitted applications. I am confident that 2009 and 2012 and commit an anticipated
despite any challenges each applicant may face, injection of more than £180 million between
they will be up to the task. I am truly grateful for 2013 and 2016.
Far left: An artist’s impression of the National Stadium
in Tokyo which will make its debut at Rugby World Cup
2019, a year before it is the centrepiece of the Olympic
and Paralympic Games
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