TODAY marks 100 days to go to the kick-off of Rugby League World Cup 2013 and organisers are predicting a hectic final phase, with even stronger ticket sales as interest continues to build in both hemispheres.
Set against the backdrop of a fascinating summer with the England cricket team squaring up to Australia in The Ashes and the British & Irish Lions having such a successful tour down under, the opening day of the tournament will provide another chance for the two old rivals to go toe to toe.
In 100 days, on October 26, hosts England play Australia, in the opening game. A cauldron-like atmosphere is guaranteed under the closed roof of the Millennium Stadium, one of the best places to watch live sport in the world.
The game will follow the official Opening Ceremony which is billed as ‘the greatest show that Rugby League has ever seen’. Following that, co-hosts Wales will take on a much-fancied Italian side.
Around 40 per cent of the tournament’s ticket target has already been achieved, which organisers are taking as a huge boost as they look forward to welcoming all 14 teams in October.
RLWC2013 Tournament General Manager, Sally Bolton said: “The 100 days to go milestone brings us another significant step closer to delivering the best Rugby League World Cup the game has ever seen.
“We kick off at the Millennium Stadium with arguably the best fixture in international Rugby League. England against Australia always brings out the passion of both sets of fans and in the Millennium Stadium; under the closed roof, the atmosphere will be electric.
“With 40 per cent of our tickets gone, we know there is huge interest in both that fantastic opener and the tournament as a whole. Data shows that a significant number of our sales are to new fans, which is terrific.”
To mark the 100 day milestone RLWC2013 has also enlisted the help of Rugby League players, personalities and celebrity fans to help hide 100 specially-branded RLWC2013 balls.
Those hiding the balls will then use clues about where their ball is hidden including the hashtag #findourballs. Lucky finders will win tickets to their local RLWC2013 match.
