Although not the actual birthplace of the sport, New Zealand is widely recognised as the country where rugby grew up, matured and developed most of its finer attributes.

Rugby is a national passion for the people of this Pacific nation, followed avidly by a larger proportion of the population, young and old, than anywhere else in the world. The Land of the Long White Cloud could perhaps be called the Land of the Long Wide Cross-field Pass?

The Rugby World Cup kicks off soon in New Zealand, with 20 teams including the hosts aiming to win the Webb Ellis Trophy at the final in Auckland on 23rd October. The country is looking forward to welcoming over 90,000 visitors around the time of the World Cup as well as a subsequent growth in tourism during the following summer season. In the weeks preceding the tournament, the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, will be travelling the country, visiting many small towns and villages to renew grassroots links and thank local people for their continued support.

The match schedule is as follows;-

• Pool Phase: Friday 9 September – Sunday 2 October 2011
• Quarterfinals: Saturday 8 October – Sunday 9 October 2011
• Semi-finals: Saturday 15 October – Sunday 16 October 2011
• Final: Sunday 23 October 2011

Please click here  for more details of venues and times. There are still tickets available for some key matches.

For details of how to emigrate to New Zealand, the Home of Rugby, click here.