Rugby world cup will score boost for Newcastle

Newcastle will enjoy an ‘economic boost’ after scoring the role of one of the host cities for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

St James’ Park has been named as one of the 13 match venues, with the match schedule moving between 10 cities across the UK.

Other venues named by tournament organiser, England Rugby 2015, include, Wembley Stadium, Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium and Manchester City Stadium.

North East Chamber of Commerce Head of Member Relations, Jonathan Walker, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and North East generally and will provide a welcome economic boost.

“Newcastle has an excellent track record of welcoming large numbers of international visitors and delivering world-class events and will generate an unforgettable atmosphere for anyone attending the Rugby World Cup tournament.

“The city has extensive experience of hosting events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, Premier League and international football matches, world-class athletics and the world’s largest half marathon.

“Sport is such a fundamental way of life for so many people here and plays an important role in communities across the North East.

“I have no doubt the people of Newcastle will not only embrace this tournament, but also provide a warm welcome to the thousands of visitors the matches will bring.”

The match schedule will see 25 matches played in dedicated Rugby venues, seven in multi-event stadia and 16 in football venues.

The 13 match venues and host cities selected are, Twickenham Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Olympic Stadium in London, Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Manchester City Stadium, Leeds’ Elland Road, Leicester City Stadium, Villa Park in Birmingham.

As well as St James’ Park, the schedule also encompasses, Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester, stadiummk in Milton Keynes, Brighton Community Stadium and Exeter’s Sandy Park.

Taking the Game to 10 cities across the country enables tournament organiser England Rugby 2015 to showcase the Game to a large audience across the length and breadth of the country.

The tournament will open at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, September 18, 2015, where England will face Oceania 1, confirmed at the close of the qualification process in 2014.

Minister for Sport and Tourism Hugh Robertson said: “Rugby World Cup in 2015 is another great global sports event coming to the UK.

“It has the full backing of Government and will be fantastic for Rugby in this country, encouraging more people to get involved.

“There is also a great tourism opportunity to make the most of with matches being played across the country.”