‘The History Of The Rugby World Cup’ Airs Tonight On TV3
The first in a series of special preview programmes leading up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup will air tonight at 8pm on TV3. Read on for further details.
The first of TV3’s preview programme, ‘The History of the Rugby World Cup’, charts the dramatic progress of the Rugby World Cup from its modest origin in Australia/New Zealand in 1987 to the preview of the fourth tournament, which was held at venues in Wales, England, France, Scotland and Ireland in 1999.
In the space of its first decade, the Rugby World Cup emerged as the fourth largest sporting event in the world. In 1999, 3.5 billion viewers in 180 countries watched the tournament. This statistic illustrates a staggering rise from the 230 million viewers in 17 countries who watched the first RWC back in 1987.
This 52-minute programme encompasses the greatest names and teams in the game, as well as the key moments in RWC history between ’87 and ’99 – some of which have emerged as the most enduring sporting images of the 1990s. The programme is not just about the big names that have competed, it is also covers the extraordinary spread of the game and the ever growing rugby family.
‘The History of the Rugby World Cup’ will frame each tournament into an upbeat package. Archive footage from the matches, news, views and personalities who were involved will be included, together with interviews specifically filmed to recapture the mood of the time.
The programme will start where the 1999 RWC ended – at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on November 6, 1999. ‘The History of the Rugby World Cup’ will reflect on the impact that the tournament had on the rugby world and will focus on the achievements and optimistic ambitions that have framed the RWC tournaments since 1987.
TV3’s schedule of special RWC preview programmes will continue into next month before the 2007 tournament begins in France.
TV3’S RWC PREVIEW PROGRAMMES:
Thursday, August 9, 8pm – ‘The History of the Rugby World Cup’
Thursday, August 16, 8pm – ‘Road to the Rugby World Cup’
Thursday, August 23, 8pm – ‘All Blacks; Behind the Legend’
Thursday, September 6, 8pm – ‘RWC Preview Documentary’
Thursday, September 6, 9pm- ‘Chasing the Lions’