16 Sep 2010

RWC kick-off times announced

12:57 pm on 16 September 2010

Those fans attending next year's Rugby World Cup will have to stay up a bit later to see some of the matches.

The organising committee has just announced the kick-off times for the matches, with the opening game between the All Blacks and Tonga at Eden Park starting at 8:30pm, an hour after the opening ceremony.

The final at Eden Park will start at 9pm.

On a busy day the first match will start at 1pm, followed by a game at 3:30pm, 6pm and then 8:30pm.

New Zealand's second pool match against Japan in Hamilton kicks off at 8pm, while the match against France at Eden Park is at 8:30pm and their game against Canada in Wellington is at 3:30 in the afternoon.

The two semi-finals in Auckland will also start at 9pm.

Martin Snedden, the CEO for Tournament Organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 says if New Zealand is to showcase the country to the world, then they need to ensure they maximise the global television audience for key matches.