Last chance for rugby fans as RWC ticket lottery deadline approaches

It's a year away, but now is the time to get organised if you are planning a trip to England for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Ireland fans who fancy making the trip across the water to support the boys in green should be aware that this is an important weekend in the ticketing process.

Where demand for tickets on public sale outstrips supply the tickets will be allocated through an online ballot.

The online application closes Monday September 29 so rugby fans need to apply online this weekend to be in the draw.

Rugby has changed beyond all recognition since the competition was last held in England in 1991, when amataur players took time off from their day jobs to compete in only the second official Rugby World Cup.

Fast forward to 2015 and the tournament will be one of the biggest global sporting occasions of the year.

Ireland have been drawn in Pool D, where France will be the toughest opposition they face. Also in the group are Canada, Italy and Romania.

The Evening Echo have published a colour magazine previewing the World Cup and giving details of exactly how to apply for the all important tickets.

If you can’t see this embedded version of the magazine, click here.