New Zealand will play host to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the seventh time the tournament has been run since it’s inception in 1987 when the inaugural tournament was hosted jointly between Australia and New Zealand. Since those early days the RWC has gone one to establish itself as one of the worlds largest sporting occasions.
The teams will be playing for the elusive William Webb Ellis cup which South Africa currently hold as reigning world champions.
The recent earthquake in Christchurch has ruled that city out of hosting any games, but the remaining 11 cities will host the games
Ireland will play in pool C against USA, Australia, Russia and Italy.
The IRFU have confirmed the kick off times for the Guinness Summer Series games against France and England in Aviva Stadium in August in preperation for the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland will play four games in August starting with a trip to Murrayfield to play Scotland on August 6th. This is followed by a trip to Bordeaux to play France on August 13th.
The Guinness Summer Series then kicks off on Saturday, August 20th when Ireland play France with the game kicking off at 5pm. The following week sees the final game of the series against England kick off at 2.30pm in Aviva Stadium.
Ticket prices for the Guinness Summer Series range from €10.00 for schoolboy/schoolgirl tickets up to €50.00 for Premium Level seats. There is fantastic value available for families with tickets available for two adults and two children for just €60.00.
Tickets will be distributed through the four provincial branches to affiliated clubs and schools. Thereafter any remaining tickets will be sold online through the Irish Rugby Supporters Clubon www.irishrugby.ie later in the year.
Guinness Summer Series: Home game ticket prices
Premium: €50
Category 1: €40
Category 2: €30
Category 3: Family Ticket €60 (adult €20, child €10 based on two adults and two children)
Category 4: €20
Schoolboy/girl: €10
Scotland v Ireland
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Saturday 6th August
K.O. TBC
France v Ireland
Bordeaux
Saturday 13th August
K.O. 20.30 (local time)
Ireland v France
Aviva Stadium
Saturday 20th August
K.O. 17.00
Ireland v England
Aviva Stadium
Saturday 27th August,
K.O. 14.30