Fans from around the world have applied for more than 600,000 tickets during the first of three major ticketing sales phases for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).
"This is a great start and is clear evidence that both New Zealand and overseas fans will strongly support this Tournament," said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).
"Fans are realising how special this Tournament will be in New Zealand and this bodes well for future ticketing phases and for the event itself."
Overseas demand has been strong with the most popular Team Pool Packs (aside from New Zealand), being England, Ireland, France, South Africa and Australia.
"There has also been strong demand for Quarter-final Weekends Packs in both Wellington and Christchurch. Demand for tickets at venues aside from Eden Park, has been solid and in line with expectations.
"There has been oversubscription for the Eden Park Venue Packs and also the New Zealand Team Pack. As well, there has been some specific seating category oversubscription within some other Venue and Team Packs."
RNZ 2011 is currently processing applications.
In cases where demand exceeds availability, a randomisation process will determine success.
Successful applicants will have credit card payments deducted over the next month. All applicants successful or otherwise will, by early July, have received written advice as to the outcome of their respective applications.
"It will not be possible to satisfy demand from all fans who applied in Phase 1," said Martin Snedden.
"Unfortunately some people will be unsuccessful and, no doubt, will be disappointed. Where possible we will be going back to unsuccessful applicants with second chance pack offers."
The second phase of RWC 2011 ticketing, involving the sale of individual match tickets (excluding semi-finals and the Final) will most likely begin in September.
Details of this phase will to be confirmed in July. The third phase - a ballot for tickets to the semi-finals and the Final - will take place in early 2011.
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