WYE VALLEY AND FOREST OF DEAN PREPARE TO HOST THOUSANDS FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

WYE VALLEY AND FOREST OF DEAN PREPARE TO HOST THOUSANDS FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
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With the Rugby World Cup just under a month away, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association are gearing up to welcome the tens of thousands of visitors who are expected to be in the region for the tournament.

Situated between the match-hosting cities of Cardiff and Gloucester, the area makes an ideal base for ticket holders as well as those travelling to soak up the atmosphere in the many award-winning pubs. Not only that, the Scotland and USA squads will be based at Gloucestershire’s Hartpury College throughout the tournament.

To help rugby fans plan their trip, the tourism association has a launched a dedicated landing page full of accommodation tips, Rugby World Cup events and special deals. Continually updated, it ensures that visitors can make the most of their time in the area in between fixtures.

With nearly half a million people from outside the UK expected to travel to the tournament, and Cardiff and Kingsholm hosting a combined 12 matches with a total of 592,00 tickets, the region expects an increase in bookings as people look outside of the host cities for accommodation and activities.

Home to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, acres of ancient forest and dozens of exciting outdoor activities including canoeing, caving, cycling and surfing the world famous Severn Bore, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean is a dream come true for adrenaline junkies. For visitors who feel like keeping cosy post-match, there is an abundance of award-winning food and drink producers, compelling attractions and luxurious restaurants and hotels.

Stefan Hawley, Cinderford RFC’s leading try scorer, who recently toured the region with the rest of the team in a bid to convert thousands incoming fans from spectators to tourists, said: “We’re serious about our rugby in Wye Dean and it’s the perfect spot for fans to locate themselves for the games.”

Ian Officer, chairman of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association, said: “The Rugby World Cup is the region’s biggest-ever tourism event. We want fans to drop-kick in, try our activities, experience our compelling heritage and indulge in our amazing food and drink producers. All supporters are welcome to spend their extra time in the Wye Dean where they’ll experience a warm welcome and memorable moments.”

Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium will host the following matches:

19 September: Tonga vs Georgia
23 September: Scotland vs Japan
25 September: Argentina vs Georgia
11 October: USA vs Japan

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosts:

19 September: Ireland vs Canada
20 September: Wales vs Uraguay
23 September: Australia vs Fiji
1 October: Wales vs Fiji
2 October: New Zealand vs Georgia
11 October: France vs Ireland
17 October: Quarter Final
18 October: Quarter Final