By Tournament / Rugby World Cup

The message was sent loud and clear to IOC President Mr. Jacques Rogge – rugby is ready for its return to sport’s biggest stage.

Commemorating the centenary of the 1908 London Olympic Games, English football’s headquarters was given a feisty little makeover by 30 southern hemisphere stars intent on keeping the nearby hospital staff busy.

As a guest of IRB president Bernard Lapasset, Rogge will have been hugely impressed by the 43,600 cosmopolitan crowd that crammed its way into Wembley Stadium on a bitterly cold London evening.

If not by the sheer volume of people, then Rogge should be encouraged by the full-blooded contest that even divided supporters, making it a full-throttled Test match atmosphere.

An Olympic Sevens festival featuring Shane Williams twinkle toes, Bryan Habana’s cheetah legs and Schalk Burger’s tenacious enthusiasm would befit any world sporting stage.

Considering it was Australia and not England bulldozing into every tackle as if it were their last, it’s testament to the sport’s pulling power, especially with the recent autumn shambles at Twickenham.

For those All-Blacks and Springboks who have pushed themselves to the physical brink over the past few weeks, the punishing sight of a gaggle of brash young Wallabies pushing their case for future selection made for bone-crunching viewing with the Barbarians rising to the challenge.

If Rogge wants fancy dress, Mexican waves, colour, zest and a bit of magic bringing to the Olympic Games in 2016, he should enlist the help of Shane, Bryan & Co. It will be one hell of a party!

What a result! Get in! Back of the net! Cash-back. Yes all of these apply to Martin Johnson and his immediate reaction to the 2011 Rugby World Cup draw.

Displaced into sixth spot by the Welsh at the weekend, England would've happily handed them a promotion knowing they would be pooled with Argentina, Scotland and Tonga, thus avoiding the southern hemisphere's big three.

It's going to be mightily hard for Argentina to recreate the daydreaming standards from France but as long as Juan Martin Hernandez and the Lobbe brothers hang around, they'll still have plenty of ammunition.

And what of Scotland? 1987 all over again? Needless to say kicking sessions will double leading up to the tasty fixture against the auld enemy.

For beating Australia and saving an embarrassing southern hemisphere whitewash, Wales have been handed South Africa and 2007 demons, Fiji, with Samoa potentially to come. Ouch! Unfortunately my Welsh colleague's actual reaction cannot be printed for legal reasons.

Ireland will fancy their chances of navigating their way past Australia and Italy considering their ever-improving performances in New Zealand and topping the group could herald a World Cup best.

The whole of New Zealand will be rubbing their hands with delight at the prospect of opening the tournament against 2007 conquerors, France. What price Wayne Barnes' name appears on the team-sheet?

The full draw...

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Americas 1, Asia 1
Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1, Play-off Winner
Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Europe 2, Americas 2
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Oceania 1, Africa 1

Since the first tournament in 1991 the Women's Rugby World Cup has been the catalyst for the tremendous growth in the women's game world wide. In England, as of the 2007/2008 season, there were 567 affiliated clubs playing rugby (senior and youth) and 12,302 women and girls playing the game.
 
In 2006 England reached the final of the Rugby World Cup, losing 25-17 to New Zealand. England are the reigning RBS 6 Nations triple Grand Slam Champions, European Cup and Nations Cup champions.
 
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to host this great event. Hosting an international rugby tournament in London will be great for the growth and profile of women’s rugby. We have had some great support from UK Sport and Visit London and this has helped strengthen our bid. The infrastructure is in place at the RFU and we will host a world class tournament for players and spectators alike.”
 
England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street said: “This is fantastic news, not only for the England team, but it’s a real reward for all of the RFUW’s members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly within the game for a number of years.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “'Women's rugby has been growing over the last few years, so it’s splendid news that London is to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010. There is strong support for the women's game in London, and England are a triple Grand Slam winning team, so here's to a successful as well as exciting tournament in two years' time.”