Organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2015 have visited Loughborough University to see first-hand the facilities on campus which have attracted some the biggest names in sport.

The University has applied to be one of the 50 ‘Team Bases’ that will be required across England and Wales in order to provide the 20 international teams competing in the tournament with a variety of options and locations.

Organisers are currently visiting over 80 sites, which include a mix of rugby clubs, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and established training complexes that have bid to be an official base.

During the visit to Loughborough the organisers viewed the pitches at the Holywell Sports Complex and indoor training facilities including the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, the 50 metre swimming pool and the Powerbase gym.

The tour also included a visit to Burleigh Court, a four star hotel situated on campus, which is a key component in the University’s offer in hosting preparation camps for sport.

On the search for Team Bases for Rugby World Cup 2015, Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, said:

“Team Bases will play a pivotal role in the tournament and we are delighted to see such a strong response rate to the search and selection programme. We want to identify high quality facilities across the country to ensure the teams have the best possible platform to compete at Rugby World Cup 2015. As an organising committee we are fully committed to meeting the needs of all competing players, ensuring that we deliver to the best possible standards.

“With applications received from schools, universities, colleges, rugby clubs and local authorities from over 30 English counties and within Wales, we can already see the fantastic regional engagement opportunities Team Bases will provide – we want to take the teams, the tournament and the game of rugby as far and wide as possible in 2015 so we are really encouraged by the response.”

If selected as an official Team Base for Rugby World Cup 2015 it would be the latest coup for the University, which has played a significant role in global sporting events held in the UK this decade.

Last year the University was the official preparation camp headquarters for Team GB, prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games. This autumn the England squad will be based at the University in the build-up to and during Rugby League World Cup 2013.

Peter Keen, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, said:

“We are very proud of our heritage and reputation for creating a performance sport environment which attracts national and international squads, domestic teams and elite athletes to our campus.”

“As such it was appropriate for us to apply to be an official Team Base for Rugby World Cup 2015. I hope that the organisers enjoyed their site visit to see our unique offer, and look forward to hearing in due course if we are successful in being selected as a Team Base.”

−ENDS−