Kick-Off Times Revealed For 2015 Rugby World Cup
Ireland’s opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup will kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday, September 19, when they start their Pool D campaign against Canada at the Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
After an afternoon kick-off (2.30pm) for their first game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Ireland will have early evening starts for the rest of their fixtures in the pool stages.
Their clash with the Europe 2 qualifiers on Sunday, September 27, their meeting with Italy on Sunday, October 4 and the pool closer against France on Sunday, October 11 will all kick off at 5pm.
IRELAND’S 2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL D FIXTURES:
Saturday, September 19 – Ireland v Canada, Millennium Stadium, kick-off 2.30pm
Sunday, September 27 – Ireland v Europe 2 qualifiers, Wembley Stadium, kick-off 5pm
Sunday, October 4 – Ireland v Italy, Olympic Stadium, kick-off 5pm
Sunday, October 11 – Ireland v France, Millennium Stadium, kick-off 5pm
Click here for the full 2015 Rugby World Cup match schedule with kick-off times.
The announcement of the kick-off times for the tournament’s 48 matches marks another significant milestone in the build-up to England 2015.
With tournament organisers England 2015 and owners Rugby World Cup Limited also unveiling details of the tournament ticketing programme, today fans from around the world can now begin to plan their 2015 Rugby World Cup experience.
The kick-off times are part of a collaborative process between England 2015, RWCL, host broadcaster ITV and the tournament’s key stakeholders to ensure the best possible platform for the 20 participating teams, fans attending the matches and sports fans watching the broadcast in more than 200 territories worldwide.
Exact kick-off times are subject to final broadcast schedules.
The result is a uniform spread of four kick-off times for the pool stages: 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm and 8pm. This compares favourably to a range of 11 times for France 2007 and nine at New Zealand 2011.
The opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between hosts England and the Oceania 1 qualifiers at Twickenham kicks off at 8pm on September 18.
New Zealand’s title defence will begin against Argentina at Wembley at 5pm on September 20, while the quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled for 2pm and 5pm at the Millennium Stadium and Twickenham.
The Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham will kick-off at 5pm on October 31, guaranteeing a prime-time television platform in the host nation.
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Today’s announcements allow fans from around the world to begin their planning knowing where, when and at what time the world’s best teams will be playing across the 13 Rugby World Cup venues.
“We believe that this match schedule is good for fans attending the matches and watching from their armchair.
“Combined with an equitable match schedule, it has the teams and fans at its heart and the continuity and balance of regular time slots will maximise anticipation and engagement.
“The stage is now set for a compelling Rugby World Cup in England that will deliver unforgettable memories and exceptional experiences for existing and new fans, maximising accessibility and furthering the profile of game to global audiences around the world.”
England 2015 Chief Executive Debbie Jevans said: “Fans can now plan for the 2015 Rugby World Cup with the announcement of kick-off times alongside the tournament ticketing programme.
“Our key priority is ensuring we give the teams a balanced and equitable schedule which we believe we have achieved.
“We have consulted with all our transport providers, our venues and host cities and we feel that we have put together a schedule that takes into account all of the needs of our stakeholders.
“Now that fans have the final piece of the jigsaw, they can start to plan their tournament, be it in stadia or watching from home, and make this a truly memorable celebration of rugby.”
Related Links –
Ireland To Face Canada In Rugby World Cup Opener
Ireland Pitted Against Six Nations Rivals In RWC Pool