With 100 days to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 kicks off in London on August 20, tournament organisers are making final preparations for the showcase event set to be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup to date.
The Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) organising body and tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) are delivering a comprehensive programme which celebrates and promotes Women’s Rugby while leaving a lasting legacy for the growth of the Women’s Game worldwide.
In England, 24 legacy projects have already been completed with a further 17 planned, seeing over 1,300 participants across the country experience one of the world’s fastest growing women’s sports.
The legacy programme has also provided a substantial number of volunteering opportunities ahead of the tournament, including the provision of a pool of 150 volunteers committed to the continued development of Rugby for women and girls long after the final match of the tournament.
“This landmark represents the countdown to what promises to be a memorable and ultimately successful Women’s Rugby World Cup. In 100 days time the top 12 international teams in the world will compete for the ultimate prize in women’s fifteen-a-side Rugby in what will be a true celebration of the strength and stature of the Women’s Game,” said RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“We are confident that planning and preparation are ahead of schedule and excitement around the tournament is growing by the day. With 10 matches broadcast live by host broadcaster Sky Sports, including the semi finals and Final from The Twickenham Stoop and an additional highlights and match streaming coverage via the official tournament websitewww.rwcwomens.com, we are confident that more people than ever before will be able to assess this showpiece tournament.”
The innovative ticket sales strategy which includes discounted tournament passes for Rugby club members has provided strong early sales, particularly for the matches at Surrey Sports Park.
“The brand new multi sports facility at Surrey Sports Park is now open and will provide a wonderful venue for the players, with exceptional match day pitches, leading training facilities and a world-class athletes village all on site,” said Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW.
England’s new star Emily Scarratt, a member of the Women's Rugby World Cup Facebook page, added: “It may only be three months to go before the Women’s Rugby World Cup but I’m an impatient sort and I just can’t wait! Now the England squad has been announced it makes it seem all the more real. I can’t wait to get back into training and really get stuck in.
“I have never experienced a World Cup before, or anything like what this tournament is going to be. With the games on home turf, matches being televised live, and more spectators than ever predicted to turn up and watch, this is going to be a massive event for women’s rugby. In a way it’s kind of daunting but also very exciting, especially when you know all your family and friends will be there to watch and support you.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW POOLS AND THE MATCH SCHEDULE >>
The 100 days to go landmark will be noted by Sweden as they face Italy at the Women’s European Trophy in France. The Swedes have built on their 2009 success and have yet to concede a point in the competition, which last year provided their qualification route to only their first Women’s Rugby World Cup since 1998.
The Women’s European Trophy is also providing preparation for three of the referees on the match official panel for the World Cup, with Canadian officials Joyce Henry and Sherry Trumbull two of seven females named as referees, while Barbara Guastini of Italy will be one of three specialist Assistant Referees.
