MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS
Seven great weeks, 20 teams, 48 incredible games and one World Champion – Rugby World Cup 2011 crowned the All Blacks as winners – and also brought the curtain down on the adventures of England fans around New Zealand.
Memories and friendships, Rugby highlights and journeys of discovery all combined to create a tidal wave of experiences on and off the pitch for fans at Rugby’s global gathering.
From the marriage proposal at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower between Lewis Peffers and Siobhan Farman, bungee jumping and jet boating in Queenstown to visiting ice bars and an impromptu Haka with the legendary former All Black number eight Buck Shelford, Rugby World Cup 2011 was not just a Rugby experience, it was a holiday of a lifetime.
And while Leicester fans Alan and Sue Millhouse met their club idol, Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni, fans also rubbed shoulders with England stars, enjoyed New Zealand’s beautiful golf courses, fishing trips and excursions to wineries.
“It was just a brilliant experience over the seven weeks,” said Matt Reay, England Rugby Travel’s events manager.
“Now the Tournament has ended it is possible to look back and reflect just what an incredible amount of different activities our clients experienced with us and just what a huge amount of fun was had by everybody – fans and staff.
“A Rugby World Cup creates special memories and to be in a country as Rugby-mad as New Zealand when they won the competition is something I think everyone who was there will remember.”
England fans were treated to a small slice of home at their official Rydges Hotels – with the Harbourview in Auckland transformed into a mini Twickenham with a synthetic pitch in reception as well as a complete make-over with St George’s flags.
And with exclusive events with Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White, former England stars Matt Dawson and Andy Gomarsall, French legend Philippe Saint-Andre and former All Blacks Justin Marshall and Wayne Shelford, England fans got the low-down on all the on-field action from a galaxy of stars.
Fans have returned home but the memories will be fresh – and plans are already underway to follow England in the RBS 6 Nations Championship in 2012. We can’t wait!
To take a look back and view all of our Rugby World Cup stories please click on the links below.
Matt, Jake And Martyn Are Our Dream Team
Martin Jumps In For England!
Fans Still Flying The Flag
Wayne's World Delights
A Foreign Field Forever England!
Haka'll Do Nicely!
It Will Be A Special Experience
Get The Latest From RFU
Karen Joining Biggest Rugby Party
Lakes, Boulders And Props - What A Week!
Fans Urged To Back Christchurch
Dedication Is What You Need!
England Fans Explore Glorious New Zealand!
An Exclusive Interview With Tom Palmer
Auckland, A Paradise For Rugby Lovers
