Rugby World Cup 2015 Confirm Ireland Team Bases

Rugby World Cup 2015 have confirmed the locations of Ireland’s four Team Bases for the Pool Stages of the tournament next autumn.

For the duration of the tournament's Pool Stages Ireland will have four Team Bases – St George's Park, Surrey Sports Park, Sports Wales National Centre and Celtic Manor & Newport (Newport High School/Active Living Centre, The Celtic Academy).

Ireland have been drawn in Pool D alongside France, Italy, Canada and Romania with Ireland kicking their RWC15 campaign off against the Canadians at the Millennium Stadium on 19th September 2015.

Michael Kearney, Ireland Team Manager, commented, "The Ireland Team Management are delighted that during RWC15 the Ireland team will be based at these four locations for the pool stages of the tournament. Team bases play a vital role in team preparation and it is important that the facilities are of a world class standard while also providing a positive atmosphere for the players and management in between training and team activities.”

The organising committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015), has announced the list of 41 Team Bases which will host the 20 participating teams during the Tournament, taking place in England and in Cardiff between September 18th and October 31st 2015.

A Rugby World Cup 2015 Team Base will consist of an outdoor and indoor training facility, a swimming pool, gym and hotel and will be utilised by the competing teams in the lead up to and during the six week event. The facilities must meet international team training standards and be located on one site or within close proximity of one another. Match venue locations have also been taken into account as part of the selection programme.

A mix of rugby clubs, schools, colleges, universities and dedicated training facilities will be utilised by the 20 teams, taking the reach of the Tournament even further. Eight bases have also been selected for use during the knock out phase of the Tournament.