Black Ferns to Play Opening Rugby World Cup 2021 Match at Eden Park

World Rugby has confirmed that the Black Ferns will play their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2021 at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Eden Park, a venue steeped in Rugby World Cup history having hosted the men’s finals in 1987 and the opening match and final in 2011, will break new ground as the host of the women’s edition of a Rugby World Cup for the first time.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said, “The countdown is on with just one year to go until the women’s edition of the Rugby World Cup kicks off in the southern hemisphere for the first time in its history. While taking into account the unique and challenging circumstances caused by the global COVID19 pandemic, planning is progressing very well and hosts New Zealand are on course to supercharge the women’s game, welcoming the world’s best teams to what we know will be an exciting and exceptional tournament. 2021 is set to be a special year for women’s rugby as it takes centre stage.”

Eden Park and Whangarei’s Northland Events Centre, will host a combined six matches across the opening match day on Saturday, 18 September 2021. The remaining pool stage match days, on 23 and 28 September, will be hosted at Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events Centre.

“Despite the challenges being faced by the global pandemic, the organising team are focused, on track and determined to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime Rugby World Cup. Rugby is at the heart of New Zealand communities and the opportunity to ‘supercharge’ the women’s game will inspire a generation of young people to strive to achieve their goal,” said Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper.

Rugby fans in New Zealand can now register their interest in becoming official volunteers of Rugby World Cup 2021. Volunteers will play a key role in delivering the tournament and across a range of roles including hosting and way-finding, accreditation and team liaison. Fans can register via the Rugby World Cup 2021 website.

“The world’s best high-performance rugby players want to play here, and New Zealanders are ready to host them, and showcase our manaakitanga on the world stage. As proud hosts we are encouraging everyone who is keen to be part of the action to sign-up to express their interest to become a volunteer. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Hooper added.

Rugby pictures: Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong Kong, Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015, Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Pictures of Chartis Cup 2012 and Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.

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