It’s finally here! After covid caused the postponement of the Rugby World Cup 2021 by a year, the tournament kicks off this weekend in New Zealand.
All games are available to watch on ITV or ITV Player, so set your alarms, fill up the kettle and get your shirts out ready for some early kick-offs. England’s first group game vs Fiji kicks off at 04:45am on Saturday 8th October followed by the exciting clash of New Zealand vs Australia at 07:15am. The games promise plenty of thrills and spills before you even have your breakfast!
England are the hot favourites, with a 25 game consecutive win record, a feat greater even than the All Blacks test domination of the late 1980s. The depth of the squad is unmatched, with some huge names not making Simon Middleton’s list. A ‘second XV’ of unpicked players would have likely challenged some of the teams at the tournament. The surprise return of star back three player Abby Dow only 6 months after a horrendous leg break is one of the biggest talking points. Get ready to watch a masterclass in speed and evasion.
Our neighbours Scotland and Wales will first feature on Sunday 9th October at 05:45am in a six nations style grudge match in Whangerei. What better way to start a rugby Sunday!
Next weekend Abbeydale is opening its doors early to host a Womens World Cup Breakfast Club. Join us at 8am for the big one, England vs France, on the big screens and a breakfast sandwich! All are welcome!
If the action on the screens whets your appetite, come and see what women’s rugby is all about and join the women or girls at a training session this month. The senior women train Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm and the girls section (U12s, U14s, U16s, U18s) train on Thursdays from 6pm. You’ll find us all on the top pitch up behind the badminton building. Come along and introduce yourself, no experience or specialised kit necessary.
This weekend’s fixtures:
Saturday 8th October
02:15 South Africa vs France
04:45 Fiji vs England
07:15 Australia vs New Zealand
Sunday 9th October
00:45 USA vs Italy
03:15 Japan vs Canada
05:45 Wales vs Scotland
All games to be shown on ITV and available on demand on ITV player