DIEHARD
07-11-07, 10:23 AM
http://www.rlwc08.com/pix/news/RLWC08_UK_Open.jpg
In photo from left to right: Scotland - Danny Brough, New Zealand - Roy Asotasi, France - Eric Anselme, Fiji - Waisale Suka, Australia - Mark Gasnier, England - Jamie Pea****, Tonga - Lopini Paea, Ireland - Eamon O'Carroll, PNG - Keith Peters
As tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, the competing nations have gathered in England for the last time before heading to Australia in October 2008.
The meeting of the nine countries already through to the main draw (and the four still fighting for the final berth) outlined every aspect of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Rugby League World Cup ’08 officials detailed television agreements that will ensure coverage across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Middle East; New Media platforms that will provide access across internet platforms; ticketing programmes across all 18 matches and a tournament draw that will ensure quality games throughout the 29-day event.
Rugby League World Cup ’08 Tournament Director and Rugby League International Federation Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, outlined a tournament schedule that has already sparked tremendous interest from overseas tourists and which promises exciting matches at every turn.
Official travel agencies for World Cup XIII have been allocated key seating for the event and early registrations of interest suggest that thousands of English fans are preparing to head to Australia in 2008.
First preference for this seating will go to those fans seeking to come to Australia for extended tours with a further allocation of tickets available early next year.
The tournament begins when England takes on PNG on October 25 in Townsville, with the official opening ceremony a day later as host nation Australia plays New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The final will be played in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd at one of the world’s great Rugby League venues - Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium - November 22.
“The game has made some great strides in rebuilding international competition in recent years,” Mr Love said.
“Australia is finding itself constantly tested by New Zealand and Great Britain, while French Rugby League is re-emerging on the back of some strong performances against the top three nations and after seeing Catalans Dragons reach the Challenge Cup Final.
“We have seen the likes of Tonga and PNG score some surprise results against Australian teams and a look across both the English Super League and the NRL provides a reminder of the number of talented players coming through who are from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.
“In the case of the Pacific Island nations, in particular, I think the World Cup will see some formidable teams begin to emerge.
“A strong World Cup tournament is the key to helping develop emerging countries and in providing future infrastructure for the international game.
“There’s a lot of work ahead but, given the support we have had from Federal and State Governments in Australia, from broadcasters and the stadium operators, I’m confident that we already have a very solid foundation in place.”
Rugby League World Cup XIII will take in 12 different venues, three states and the Australian Capital Territory.
The English itinerary will begin at the gateway to the Barrier Reef, Townsville, and take in Newcastle and Melbourne before the finals.
The encounter between Australia and England not only marks 100 years since a fledgling Australian team headed to the UK for its first official Rugby League Test series, but it also combines the sites of Melbourne with the world famous Spring Racing Carnival, coinciding with the weekend of the Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse.
“It is a tournament that has any number of matches that would attract large audiences in their own right,” Mr Love said.
“It is a series of events spread across a wide range of areas to ensure that every fan has a chance to be a part of the 2008 World Cup.”
For media enquiries please call: John Brady +61 (0)2 9339 8524; 0408 881 222
Pat Tsanis +61 (0)2 9237 0747; 0403 262 656
Andy Whitelam +44 (0)1132375049; 07770 993 366
Craig Spence +44 (0)1132375581; 07921 899 106
http://www.rugbyleagueworldcup.com
In photo from left to right: Scotland - Danny Brough, New Zealand - Roy Asotasi, France - Eric Anselme, Fiji - Waisale Suka, Australia - Mark Gasnier, England - Jamie Pea****, Tonga - Lopini Paea, Ireland - Eamon O'Carroll, PNG - Keith Peters
As tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, the competing nations have gathered in England for the last time before heading to Australia in October 2008.
The meeting of the nine countries already through to the main draw (and the four still fighting for the final berth) outlined every aspect of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Rugby League World Cup ’08 officials detailed television agreements that will ensure coverage across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Middle East; New Media platforms that will provide access across internet platforms; ticketing programmes across all 18 matches and a tournament draw that will ensure quality games throughout the 29-day event.
Rugby League World Cup ’08 Tournament Director and Rugby League International Federation Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, outlined a tournament schedule that has already sparked tremendous interest from overseas tourists and which promises exciting matches at every turn.
Official travel agencies for World Cup XIII have been allocated key seating for the event and early registrations of interest suggest that thousands of English fans are preparing to head to Australia in 2008.
First preference for this seating will go to those fans seeking to come to Australia for extended tours with a further allocation of tickets available early next year.
The tournament begins when England takes on PNG on October 25 in Townsville, with the official opening ceremony a day later as host nation Australia plays New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The final will be played in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd at one of the world’s great Rugby League venues - Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium - November 22.
“The game has made some great strides in rebuilding international competition in recent years,” Mr Love said.
“Australia is finding itself constantly tested by New Zealand and Great Britain, while French Rugby League is re-emerging on the back of some strong performances against the top three nations and after seeing Catalans Dragons reach the Challenge Cup Final.
“We have seen the likes of Tonga and PNG score some surprise results against Australian teams and a look across both the English Super League and the NRL provides a reminder of the number of talented players coming through who are from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.
“In the case of the Pacific Island nations, in particular, I think the World Cup will see some formidable teams begin to emerge.
“A strong World Cup tournament is the key to helping develop emerging countries and in providing future infrastructure for the international game.
“There’s a lot of work ahead but, given the support we have had from Federal and State Governments in Australia, from broadcasters and the stadium operators, I’m confident that we already have a very solid foundation in place.”
Rugby League World Cup XIII will take in 12 different venues, three states and the Australian Capital Territory.
The English itinerary will begin at the gateway to the Barrier Reef, Townsville, and take in Newcastle and Melbourne before the finals.
The encounter between Australia and England not only marks 100 years since a fledgling Australian team headed to the UK for its first official Rugby League Test series, but it also combines the sites of Melbourne with the world famous Spring Racing Carnival, coinciding with the weekend of the Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse.
“It is a tournament that has any number of matches that would attract large audiences in their own right,” Mr Love said.
“It is a series of events spread across a wide range of areas to ensure that every fan has a chance to be a part of the 2008 World Cup.”
For media enquiries please call: John Brady +61 (0)2 9339 8524; 0408 881 222
Pat Tsanis +61 (0)2 9237 0747; 0403 262 656
Andy Whitelam +44 (0)1132375049; 07770 993 366
Craig Spence +44 (0)1132375581; 07921 899 106
http://www.rugbyleagueworldcup.com