England Rugby 2015 received applications for more than five million tickets from September 12 to 29 as demand exceeded supply at every price category for 23 of the 48 matches.

There were 650,000 ticket applications received for England's pool-stage encounter with Australia and 500,000 for the final.

Tickets for England versus Wales, New Zealand versus Argentina and Australia versus Wales in the pool stages, and for both semi-finals, were also in high demand.

Ballots were run earlier this week for matches and price points where demand for tickets exceeded supply, and ballots were held for at least one price point in each of the 48 matches.

Rugby fans are due be notified of the results of their ticket applications on Saturday (October 25) with payments being taken from Monday (October 27).

Those who are unsuccessful will receive priority when tickets go back on sale at the end of November at the latest.

"We are thrilled with demand for tickets a year out from the tournament, and the record level of demand we saw in September is a terrific indicator of the general interest and excitement for Rugby World Cup 2015," said Debbie Jevans, chief executive of England Rugby 2015.

"Demand has exceeded supply for a high number of our matches, and the only downside of such strong demand is that there will inevitably be some disappointment when rugby fans are notified of the results of their applications on Saturday.

"We would like to thank everyone who applied for tickets and anyone who missed out on tickets this time will get first priority when the remaining tickets go back on sale next month."

Debbie Jevans, chief executive of England Rugby 2015, believes the demand for tickets is "a terrific indicator of the general interest and excitement" for the World Cup ©Getty Images






In addition to the 950,000 tickets sold in the September sale, 340,000 tickets were sold by England Rugby 2015 to rugby fans through rugby clubs in England and Wales as part of the Rugby Community Programme, while the overall sales figure will increase through the November sale.

"We are delighted with the incredible demand for tickets across the tournament from fans in the UK and around the world," Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board.

"Rugby World Cup is all about the fans and the players and today's announcement reinforces our belief that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be a very special record-breaking celebration of Rugby and the host nation.

"It really is too big to miss."

British Sports Minister Helen Grant, added: "I am delighted with the public response to tickets going on sale for next year's Rugby World Cup.

"It bodes well for a fantastic tournament with teams from across the world competing in packed stadiums.

"I am sure the atmosphere will be absolutely electric and England 2015 will further cement this country's reputation as one of the best in the world for hosting major sports events."

Tickets are still available via the official travel and hospitality programmes.

Official supporter tour package sales are currently at more than 160,000 and on track to break the 184,000 record levels achieved for France 2007.

The official hospitality programme is also tracking at record levels with all boxes sold out at Twickenham, Sandy Park in Exeter and the Brighton Community Stadium.

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