First of all hi, I'm new to this section of SSC, and I hope that I have posted this thread in the correct sub-forum.

Now, my question is to do with how England will use their stadiums during the 2015 RWC. Most of the venues are 'football venues', as can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup#Venues The tournement is in September and October, which is during the football season. I'd like to know if anyone knows how that will work. Will the football clubs 'move out' and play their home games elsewhere? Will they only play away games during the tournement, or is there some sort of sharing agreement during the tournement?

Hopefully someone can help me out with this, thanks in advance.

I can't see this being a problem at all as there are already plenty of stadiums that are shared; The Galpharm and KC Stadium are just 2 examples. I remember that when Rugby League was still being played in Winter, Elland Road was being shared by LUFC and the Hunslet Hawks without any issues (apart from the pitch being destroyed.)

It's quite simple to arrange; I believe that the football fixture calender is generated by computer and is programmed to avoid teams that share a Police force playing at home on the same day; e.g. Liverpool / Everton, Scum / City, Sheffiled Utd / Wednesday, Leeds / Hudds and Bradford. Similarly, Leeds are always away on the August Bank Holiday due to the pressures on transport / Police resources caused by the Leeds Festival so they will, presumably just do the same for the Rugby.

Now, my question is to do with how England will use their stadiums during the 2015 RWC. Most of the venues are 'football venues', as can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup#Venues The tournement is in September and October, which is during the football season. I'd like to know if anyone knows how that will work. Will the football clubs 'move out' and play their home games elsewhere? Will they only play away games during the tournement, or is there some sort of sharing agreement during the tournement?

They'll just share. In the last Rugby World Cup, nine of the ten French stadia used were home to soccer clubs (some of which were involved in the Champions League as well as the French league), and they were all able to play their usual fixtures without any problems.

For example:

Stade Velodrome, Marseilles

Sat 8 Sep: New Zealand v Italy, RWC Pool C
Wed 12 Sep: Italy v Romania, RWC Pool C
Sat 15 Sep: Olympique de Marseille v Toulouse, Ligue 1
Tue 18 Sep: Olympique de Marseille v Beşiktaş, UEFA Champions League Group A
Sat 22 Sep: Argentina v Namibia, RWC Pool D
Sun 30 Sep: France v Georgia, RWC Pool D
Sat 6 Oct: Australia v England, RWC quarter-final
Sun 7 Oct: South Africa v Fiji, RWC quarter-final

They'll just share. In the last Rugby World Cup, nine of the ten French stadia used were home to soccer clubs (some of which were involved in the Champions League as well as the French league), and they were all able to play their usual fixtures without any problems.

For example:

Stade Velodrome, Marseilles

Sat 8 Sep: New Zealand v Italy, RWC Pool C
Wed 12 Sep: Italy v Romania, RWC Pool C
Sat 15 Sep: Olympique de Marseille v Toulouse, Ligue 1
Tue 18 Sep: Olympique de Marseille v Beşiktaş, UEFA Champions League Group A
Sat 22 Sep: Argentina v Namibia, RWC Pool D
Sun 30 Sep: France v Georgia, RWC Pool D
Sat 6 Oct: Australia v England, RWC quarter-final
Sun 7 Oct: South Africa v Fiji, RWC quarter-final

Ok, I didn't realise that a sharing agreement could work, I guess that the IRB are not as strict as FIFA when it comes to stadium usage. The Rugby World Cup is quite spread out, so I can see how it could work, thanks for the example.

Ok, I didn't realise that a sharing agreement could work, I guess that the IRB are not as strict as FIFA when it comes to stadium usage. The Rugby World Cup is quite spread out, so I can see how it could work, thanks for the example.

Its not really about being as strict. Where on earth are the IRB going to find 40,000+ stadiums outside football? Its a take it or leave it situation.

Anfield is going to be used for the Rugger!

Is nothing sacred anymore?

Its not really about being as strict. Where on earth are the IRB going to find 40,000+ stadiums outside football? Its a take it or leave it situation.

Well Australia, New Zealand, and sadly South Africa, don't have many designated football stadiums, plus most of South Africa's stadiums belong to the cities, not clubs/teams. I guess in England Twickenham is the only big 'rugby' stadium though.

Anfield is going to be used for the Rugger!

Is nothing sacred anymore?

I see not everyone is for rugby being played at 'football' stadiums.

Why is the world cup not going to be held in the summer? Wouldnt this be the most logical thing to do for all parties?

All major sporting events are generally planned based on the best weather predicted for a certain time of year.

That's why the 2012 Olympics is for the last week in July/First in August because that's when there's the best possible chance of 2 dry weeks in the summer in the UK.

For Rugby, they need it to be a bit cooler or else the players wont be able to play at their best - so September is the best time where there's still a chance of it being dry but not too hot so that everyone is collasping with heat exhaustion.

Anfield is going to be used for the Rugger!

Is nothing sacred anymore?

The England XV have already played at Anfield, in 1999.

Why is the world cup not going to be held in the summer? Wouldnt this be the most logical thing to do for all parties?

It used to be in June, in the Southern Hemisphere, and October in the Northern Hemisphere, until 2003 when Australia shifted their tournement to October to avoid the NRL and AFL seasons.

It used to be in June, in the Southern Hemisphere, and October in the Northern Hemisphere, until 2003 when Australia shifted their tournement to October to avoid the NRL and AFL seasons.

To be precise:

May-Jun 1987 (New Zealand/Australia)
Oct-Nov 1991 (England/France/Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
May-Jun 1995 (South Africa)
Oct-Nov 1999 (Wales/England/France/Ireland/Scotland)
Oct-Nov 2003 (Australia)
Sep-Oct 2007 (France/Wales/Scotland)
Sep-Oct 2011 (New Zealand)
Sep-Oct 2015 (England)
Sep-Oct 2019 (Japan)

Is Japan confirmed?

Is Japan confirmed?

Yes they are.

To be precise:

May-Jun 1987 (New Zealand/Australia)
Oct-Nov 1991 (England/France/Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
May-Jun 1995 (South Africa)
Oct-Nov 1999 (Wales/England/France/Ireland/Scotland)
Oct-Nov 2003 (Australia)
Sep-Oct 2007 (France/Wales/Scotland)
Sep-Oct 2011 (New Zealand)
Sep-Oct 2015 (England)
Sep-Oct 2019 (Japan)

You can see by the pattern there that the tendency is to go towards a one or two nation tournament.

With his in mind I suppose the only chance Scotland has of hosting now is a joint bid with Ireland

You can see by the pattern there that the tendency is to go towards a one or two nation tournament.

Yes, although England want to host some games in Cardiff and Japan want to host a pool in Hong Kong and Singapore. The IRB have yet to ratify these proposals.

I think most British isles bids will usually contain the odd game in another British/Irish country as it does make economic sense, and helps to garner support for that bid.

I think a 'Celtic World Cup' one day would be superb, with Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Personally, given the need for RWC's to maximise profits, I'm not sure if Scotland could generate enough income to play host to 50% of a world cup.

Japan v Georgia would probably get a crowd of 50,000 in Cardiff or Dublin, but maybe only 20,000 in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Japan v Georgia would probably get a crowd of 50,000 in Cardiff or Dublin, but maybe only 20,000 in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Wales v Georgia would struggle to pull 50,000 in Cardiff.

Japan v Georgia would probably get a crowd of 50,000 in Cardiff.

Wales v Georgia would struggle to pull 50,000 in Cardiff.

Japan v Argentina drew close to 50,000 in 1999. I was there. Whee!

I think most British isles bids will usually contain the odd game in another British/Irish country as it does make economic sense, and helps to garner support for that bid.

I think a 'Celtic World Cup' one day would be superb, with Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Personally, given the need for RWC's to maximise profits, I'm not sure if Scotland could generate enough income to play host to 50% of a world cup.

Japan v Georgia would probably get a crowd of 50,000 in Cardiff or Dublin, but maybe only 20,000 in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

There seems to be an unwritten rule to alternate the tournement between a non-European country, and then a European country. SO 2023 should be either Australia, Argenetina, or hopefully South Africa. :)

The big advantage in Europe is that people can go to other countries easily, SA Aus and NZ are super far apart.

There seems to be an unwritten rule to alternate the tournement between a non-European country, and then a European country. SO 2023 should be either Australia, Argenetina, or hopefully South Africa. :)

So you're saying the rule needs to be broken in 2023?

So you're saying the rule needs to be broken in 2023?

I just re-read my post, and meant to say that it alternated between North and South before Japan 2019. I think the IRB may want Argentina to host soon, to grow the game, but SA has been waiting since 95! :bash:

The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be the eighth Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial rugby union world championship. The tournament will be hosted by England from 4 September to 17 October 2015.

In addition, Cardiff's 74,500-seater Millennium Stadium in Wales will also be used. England was chosen to host the competition in July 2009, beating out rival bids from Italy, Japan and South Africa.

I just re-read my post, and meant to say that it alternated between North and South before Japan 2019. I think the IRB may want Argentina to host soon, to grow the game, but SA has been waiting since 95! :bash:

and so they should you still have Argentina, USA, Canada, Italy, Scotland and Ireland who have yet to be full hosts for the RWC.

Then emerging nations such as Spain, Holland, Zimbabwe who should all consider being hosts.

England really is getting to host it twice as the 91 RWC was more theirs than the rest of the home nations but money talked after NZ so now it is time to concentrate on expanding and giving the RWC to other nations outside the big five!

I think most British isles bids will usually contain the odd game in another British/Irish country as it does make economic sense, and helps to garner support for that bid.

I think a 'Celtic World Cup' one day would be superb, with Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Personally, given the need for RWC's to maximise profits, I'm not sure if Scotland could generate enough income to play host to 50% of a world cup.

Japan v Georgia would probably get a crowd of 50,000 in Cardiff or Dublin, but maybe only 20,000 in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

That is why you would give Japan v Geargia to Kilmarnock, Inverness, Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy with excellent stadia around the 10K mark perfect for a set of smaller nations to play at and would also probably be close to capacity as these towns would adopt some of the smaller teams.

That is why you would give Japan v Geargia to Kilmarnock, Inverness, Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy with excellent stadia around the 10K mark perfect for a set of smaller nations to play at and would also probably be close to capacity as these towns would adopt some of the smaller teams.

Fine, but the IRB and organisers want to maximise crowds. If you can get a far bigger crowd for the lesser games elsewhere, then thats what's likely to happen.

Fine, but the IRB and organisers want to maximise crowds. If you can get a far bigger crowd for the lesser games elsewhere, then thats what's likely to happen.

Indeed. I'm actually surprised that Kingsholm is being used in 2015, given that the smallest crowd in 2007 was 24,128.

I am as well. On paper Ashton Gate would possibly be a better option. Gloucester is a real rugby town I suppose, and I think Kingsholm is being expanded as well.

I'm certainly planning on going to all the games at Elland Road, and a few others once the schedule is known.

I am as well. On paper Ashton Gate would possibly be a better option. Gloucester is a real rugby town I suppose, and I think Kingsholm is being expanded as well.

I think there's every chance Ashton Vale might feature instead, James.

I'm certainly planning on going to all the games at Elland Road, and a few others once the schedule is known.

You should prey that they dont use Elland road, its an absolute dump, has none existant legroom, poor facilities, and is a nightmare to get to unless you live in Leeds.

A Rugby Union match in Yorkshire would be better played at Huddersfields Galpharm which would offer a far better experience for sponsors and fans.

Looking west of the Pennines, i wonder if St.Helens new stadium will come into the reckoning for one of the smaller less glamorous matches.

I suspect premier League football grounds will be pretty much off limits, except for perhaps a one off game. I certainly could not see Sir Alex wanting Old Trafford to be used for a couple of RU internationals then the RL grand final all around September/October.

You should prey that they dont use Elland road, its an absolute dump, has none existant legroom, poor facilities, and is a nightmare to get to unless you live in Leeds.

A Rugby Union match in Yorkshire would be better played at Huddersfields Galpharm which would offer a far better experience for sponsors and fans.

Looking west of the Pennines, i wonder if St.Helens new stadium will come into the reckoning for one of the smaller less glamorous matches.

I suspect premier League football grounds will be pretty much off limits, except for perhaps a one off game. I certainly could not see Sir Alex wanting Old Trafford to be used for a couple of RU internationals then the RL grand final all around September/October.

The venues were all decided two years ago - 7 of the 12 are Premier League soccer stadia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup#Venues

You should prey that they dont use Elland road, its an absolute dump, has none existant legroom, poor facilities, and is a nightmare to get to unless you live in Leeds.

A Rugby Union match in Yorkshire would be better played at Huddersfields Galpharm which would offer a far better experience for sponsors and fans.

Looking west of the Pennines, i wonder if St.Helens new stadium will come into the reckoning for one of the smaller less glamorous matches.

I suspect premier League football grounds will be pretty much off limits, except for perhaps a one off game. I certainly could not see Sir Alex wanting Old Trafford to be used for a couple of RU internationals then the RL grand final all around September/October.

ER a nightmare to get to? It's right next to a junction of the M621, so piss easy to get to in a car and there are specials running from right next to the train station, if you come by rail. Unless you're a bit dim it's one of the easier football grounds to get to in the country.

Wouldn't know about legroom as I haven't sat down at ER since about 1996. The facilities under the stands are comparable to most new stands and stadiums built in the last 20 years for 'normal' fans; nothing to write home about but I don't go to Football / Rugby to sample the cuisine or admire the finish in the toilets. The corporate offering isn't that good at ER but most Leeds fans would see that as a bonus.

The Galpharm has 15k less seats, which are miles away from the pitch and the corners are very open so the atmosphere is shite there. It's also got one main road in and out of it so that is a nightmare to get to, on the very rare occasions when it is full.