Brighton football stadium to host two rugby world cup matches

Brighton and Hove Albion will host two rugby world cup matches in September 2015.

One of the games at the American Express Community Stadium will feature South Africa and the other will include Samoa.

Their opponents will not be known until the qualification stage in Asia and the Americas has been completed.

Brighton is one of 11 host cities and the Amex will be one of 13 stadiums where the tournament will be held.

Albion director Martin Perry said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the stadium and city has been chosen as a host venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and are now relishing the prospect of hosting four teams and two matches at one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Martin Perry

“Right from the outset when we were planning the stadium, we recognised that the need for a new permanent home for Brighton and Hove Albion could also create an opportunity for new facilities to meet the wider sporting and community needs in Brighton, Hove and the South of England.

“We promised that the stadium, more than any other building, would have the ability to shape a city.

“It puts the city on the map, has the power to change people lives and represents a community’s pride and aspirations.

“Our successful joint bid is just another legacy of that promise.

“Rugby fans in this area will be able to play their part in a global occasion which is going to put the stadium and Brighton and Hove on the world stage.

“We have two years to wait but we are looking forward to providing a fabulous spectator experience and hope we can help provide many memories of what promises to be a truly unforgettable event.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat said: “I’m thrilled that we are hosting such a prestigious event.

“It’s great that the joint bid between the city council and Brighton and Hove Albion football club has been successful.

“We have a strong track record of delivering major sporting events.

“The Rugby World Cup will bring thousands of visitors to Sussex who will be able to experience our fantastic cultural offering as well as our hotels and restaurants.”

Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown, which includes the stadium, said that he was delighted with the news.

Mr Kirby, who is the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson, said that he had campaigned in support of the local bid to be a host venue.

Simon Kirby

He said: “The Rugby World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world and I am delighted that Brighton will play a part in a monumental occasion when the tournament comes to England in 2015.

“It is especially pleasing because the Amex faced very tough competition from some more established stadia.

“I know from my various letters and meetings that the fantastic facilities available at the venue and the undoubted attraction of Brighton and Hove as a host city were very apparent to selectors.

“Today’s announcement is great news for the city, and for the future of rugby in the region.

“I know that my constituents will be looking forward to a great occasion in 2015.”

The two Pool B matches are due to take place over the same weekend.

On Saturday 19 September South Africa will play the winner of the Asia qualifying group.

On Sunday 20 September Samoa will play the runner up in the Americas qualifying group.

Pool B – one of four pools – also includes Scotland. Each pool has five teams with the winners and runners up meeting in the quarter finals in mid October. The final is scheduled for Saturday 31 October.

The venues include Twickenham, Wembley and the Olympic Stadium in London, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Manchester City Stadium, Villa Park in Birmingham and St James’ Park in Newcastle.