Countdown Begins to Rugby World Cup 2015

With just one year to go before the tournament kicks off, the trophy was brought to the city by Rugby World Cup 2003 winner Will Greenwood, who also joined a coaching session for rugby-mad students at Leicester City Stadium – the venue for three matches in 2015.
“It was great to be back in Leicester, a city I know well after playing here for four years,” said Will, now an England 2015 Ambassador.
“I have witnessed the local passion for rugby and I hope that people will take this great opportunity to watch some of the world’s best teams play on their doorstep.
“With one year to go, I think Leicester is ready to be part of a great celebration of rugby.”
Welcoming Will and the trophy to Leicester, City Mayor Peter Soulsby said he was proud that Leicester would be hosting three matches next year.
“We’re determined to make sure that everyone who comes here to watch Rugby World Cup 2015 gets a warm welcome,” he said.
“With just over a year to go before Leicester hosts its first game, we’re going to be working with our partners to ensure visitors experience the very best that Leicester and Leicestershire have to offer.
“Leicester is a city that’s passionate about sport so we’re extremely proud to be a host city for this major sporting event.”
Also joining the event was former Tigers and England hooker George Chuter – now Leicester’s ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2015.
“We’re all really looking forward to the start of the tournament and the buzz is starting now,” said George.
"It’s the biggest global tournament after the Olympics and the football world cup, so it’s a huge deal for the city.”
After leaving the stadium, the Webb Ellis Cup was taken to Highcross Leicester, where rugby fans were able to have their photo taken with the historic trophy.
Up to one million tickets for all 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2015 – including the three matches to be held in Leicester – are now on sale. Prices start at £7 for children and £15 for adults.
Rugby fans have until 29 September to apply for their tickets at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Matches where demand exceeds supply will be balloted.
Argentina will play in two of the three matches taking place in Leicester next year, facing Tonga on 4 October and Namibia on 11 October.
Leicester will also host the World Cup game between Canada and Romania on 6 October 2015.