England greats welcome World Cup announcement
Will Greenwood cannot wait for the 2015 World Cup
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By inthenews. |  |
Wednesday, 29, Jul 2009 06:53
Major figures from the worlds of sport and politics have spoken of their delight that England will host the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
World Cup winners in 2003 Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Greenwood were particularly excited at the prospect.
"The world's best players will now have a chance to play in some of the world's best stadia and supporters can look forward to a feast of rugby," said Dallaglio, before threatening, "It's almost enough to bring me out of retirement."
Greenwood had higher thoughts on his mind. "What excites me about a tournament in England is the opportunity to use rugby as a force for good in the world and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy," he gushed. "I have seen at first hand how rugby can change lives on an individual basis - now we have a chance to change many lives in England and around the world. It is a huge opportunity and a wonderful challenge."
The news was announced just hours after England was awarded the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, and adds to a number of sporting events that will not only put Britain on a pedestal around the world, but energise its sporting community and fans.
"The RFU, and every rugby fan in England, will be thrilled that we have been chosen to host RWC2015," agreed Francis Baron, CEO of the Rugby Football Union. "This is a fantastic addition to the UK's Decade of World Sport, which started this year with the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup and which continues in 2010 with the Women's Rugby World Cup, followed by the Olympics in 2012 and now the Rugby World Cup in 2015."
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw, said, "I am in no doubt that we will hold a first-class tournament, enthralling fans from across the globe and inspiring a new generation to take up rugby."
The Welsh Rugby Union, which has ensured a number of games will be played at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, has congratulated the RFU.
"We know that England submitted a superb bid and would like to congratulate the Rugby Football Union for all their hard work," said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis.
Huw Davies