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Rugby World Cup 2021/22 Success

The Rugby World Cup kicked off in New Zealand on 6 October 2022, a little over a year after its intended start date due to COVID.

We are now almost 3 weeks into the tournament and by all accounts, it has been a resounding success with the opening matches at Eden Park welcoming 34,235 spectators and an impressive 340,000 watching the delayed free-to-air broadcast in New Zealand alone.

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The tournament, however, has not been without its own unique highs and lows, including:

The Red Roses continuing its winning streak and producing a 75-0 victory against South Africa in Auckland earning a place to face off against Australia in the Quarterfinals;

Italy women making history to become the first national side (men’s or women’s) to reach a Rugby Worlds Cup Quarterfinals;

Italy’s lock, Sara Tounesi, is handed a 12-game ban for biting Japanese player; and

All Blacks choosing to play a standalone test match against Japan at the same time that the Black Ferns are due to play Wales in the Quarterfinals.

Next Stage

Eight teams have successfully made it into the Quarterfinals this weekend with the following teams facing off against each other:

Saturday 29 October: Quarter-finals

QF1 France v Italy (4.30am, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei)
QF2 New Zealand v Wales (7.30am, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei)

Sunday 30 October: Quarter-finals

QF3 England v Australia (1.30am*, Waitakere Stadium, Auckland)
QF4 Canada v USA (3.30am, Waitakere Stadium, Auckland)

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup in full swing in New Zealand, women’s rugby is bound to keep on gaining traction in the country and across the globe, just like the iGaming industry featuring online casinos such as Platincasino continues to grow. Kiwis are therefore not short of entertainment options.

England Women are next in action on Sunday 30 October against Australia live on ITV (KO 1.30am).

If you have not yet had time to watch any of the matches, do check out the Quarterfinals this weekend, or the finals which will take place on 12 November.


About Ellaine

Ellaine is the founder of FRN and author of "Mini and Youth Rugby: Complete Guide for Coaches and Parents" (published October 2015). She has been playing rugby union for over 10 years in the UK and the US for teams including Oxford University Blues, London Wasps, Henley, NOVA, and GWU. She has recently developed a love for rugby 7s and has played on several international rugby 7s teams. She also enjoys playing touch rugby and regularly plays for the FRN Mixed Touch Rugby team. She is passionate about helping others develop a love for rugby. View all posts by Ellaine

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