The opening match day of Rugby World Cup 2021 is set to break the world record for the largest attendance at a women’s Rugby match, with over 30,000 tickets sold.
The triple header is headlined by the Wallaroos taking on the Black Ferns, set to kick off the event at Eden Park on October 8.
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It will surpass the record set for a World Cup by the 2014 Final, where a capacity crowd of 20,000 packed into Stade Jean-Bouin Stadium to watch England defeat Canada.
“We came out just over a year ago with a bold ambition to set a new world record for attendance at a women’s Rugby World Cup match on opening match day at Eden Park. We put our faith in Kiwis to get behind this kaupapa and show up for the stars of the women's game competing here on the world-stage," Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper said in a statement.
“To have already surpassed that record with one week still to go is an incredible testament to our people and their support for this vision, and also the very special manaakitanga within our sporting community here in Aotearoa.
"We’re breaking new ground with this tournament and now want to see if we can secure another record first for New Zealand and for women’s rugby by filling Eden Park.
"We believe it is possible and are over-turning every rock in the process to bring this vision to life. A moment all New Zealanders can be proud of.”
Tournament organisers remain hopeful they can pack out Eden Park, already smashing the record for the largest standalone women’s sporting event in New Zealand, with 16,162 showing up for the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final between North Korea v USA at North Harbour Stadium.
The Wallaroos and Black Ferns are the headline match of the triple-header, which will see South Africa take on France followed by Fiji facing England, with English pop star Rita Ora also slated to perform.
“The wait is nearly over, the teams have arrived, and New Zealand is ready to get the party started – rugby’s great family reunion," World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin added.
"With tickets selling fast and the opening match day at Eden Park set to be a very special and record-breaking experience, fans should secure their place now to avoid disappointment.”
