England submit robust Cup bid
Baron declared none of England’s rivals for the tournament – South Africa, Japan or Italy – could offer the same recession-busting, “low risk, high return” model.
The IRB are looking to maximise income from the 2015 World Cup because New Zealand 2011 is unlikely to generate the same revenue levels as previous tournaments.
And the RFU argued in Dublin yesterday no other bid could match the broadcasting, sponsorship and comm- ercial opportunities offered by England in such a turbulent economic climate.
England, who hosted the World Cup in 1991, have agreed a package with the UK Government to guarantee part of the £80million (€89m) tournament fee and security costs.
The RFU plan to use the biggest “iconic” stadia in England and Wales – including Wembley, the Millennium Stadium, the Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford and Anfield – with the final to take place at Twickenham on October 17, 2015.
The IRB council will meet on July 28 in Dublin to decide on the host nations for both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. Italy, Japan and South Africa are bidding for both tournaments.
France 2007 generated £120million (€134m) for the IRB and succeeded in covering the £55million (€61m) guarantee and made a £15million (€17m) profit for the union.
For England to enjoy similar success, they will need to stage the biggest World Cup ever as the only revenue stream available for the host union is through ticket sales.
The RFU are targeting sell-out crowds at every match, with a cumulative total of three million ticket sales for the tournament, which would be a 30% increase on France 2007.
The RFU will utilise seven football grounds in total. The Millennium Stadium will host six pool matches and two quarter-finals with the other two at the Emirates and Wembley.
The new Welford Road and the redesigned Kingsholm are the only dedicated club rugby stadia on the list.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
