England Rugby 2015 claimed it will undertake a robust programme of testing comprising of desktop exercises, simulations, observation and staging of events that will examine all aspects of delivery.

These will include full stakeholder representation from Rugby World Cup Limited, host cities and match venues.

The aim of the programme is to test and fine tune key elements of tournament planning, including transport, spectator experience, security and catering in line with procedures at previous editions of the event.

The 20-team tournament will be played across 12 venues in England, along with Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in Wales.

As part of the process, a number of upcoming fixtures at Rugby World Cup venues will be used to test specific elements of tournament planning.

These include the England versus Samoa match taking place at Twickenham Stadium in London on November 22 that is due to kickoff at 7pm.

The Aviva Premiership match between Northampton Saints and Saracens at StadiummK in Milton Keynes on April 25, 2015, will also be used as a test event, while at least two more fixtures will be announced over the coming months.

"For the past year we have been working to put the plans in place for the delivery of the tournament in 2015," said England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans.

"Now as we move into the delivery phase it is important that we stress test all of our assumptions and plans to ensure that we are prepared when we deliver the tournament in 2015.

"Throughout the testing programme we will be working with a number of stakeholders who are essential to our delivery plans as we work to ensure the best possible experience for teams and spectators.

"We thank the RFU (Rugby Football Union) for their support with a later kick-off and Northampton Saints and Stadiummk for their collaboration, hosting the Premiership fixture at Stadiummk next April."

The Aviva Premiership clash between Northampton Saints and Saracens at Stadiummk next April will be part of the testing programme ©Getty Images



A total of 48 matches will be held during next year's tournament, due to take place from September 18 to October 31.

London will also host matches at Wembley Stadium and the Olympic Stadium along with the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, St James' Park in Newcastle and Elland Road in Leeds.

Birmingham's Villa Park will also be used as will the Leicester City Stadium in Leicester, Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium, Exeter's Sandy Park and the Brighton Community Stadium in Brighton.

This will be the eighth edition of the Rugby World Cup with New Zealand looking to defend the Webb Ellis Cup they won with an 8-7 win over France on home soil in the 2011 final in Eden Park, Auckland.

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