September 2011

Auckland is the first New Zealand city to welcome the world's teams here to play for Rugby World Cup 2011.

As the hub of the Tournament Auckland will host 15 matches at Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium, including the opening match, nine pool games, both Semi-finals and the Final.

In the first week of September Auckland will turn-on team welcome and capping ceremonies with Maori cultural performances and entertainment for Japan, France, New Zealand, Tonga and Australia.

Eight teams - including Fiji, England, Japan, France, Samoa, Namibia, Tonga and Australia - will enjoy a public welcome ceremony on arrival at Auckland Airport.

Fans will have the extra opportunity to see the teams from Tonga, Australia, France, Fiji and Samoa in action as they train at several Auckland grounds throughout September.

Auckland is geared-up to make sure both fans and the teams themselves enjoy the best of Auckland and experience the diversity of the region.

The excitement will kick-off on Friday 9 September with a free opening night celebration on Auckland's waterfront, featuring a 600-strong haka, music from Kiwi artists and the largest fireworks display New Zealand has ever seen.

The action off the field will continue, with four public Fanzones and a programme of Kiwi-themed activities and events running throughout the six-week Tournament.

Images of team capping ceremonies, airport welcome ceremonies, public training sessions and teams having fun in Auckland will be available on www.image.net shortly after each event.

For more information about Rugby World Cup in Auckland, including dates for team welcome ceremonies and public training sessions see http://www.auckland2011.com

Diane Berghan
RWC 2011 Destination Media Manager .

Pictures from image.net