Countdown begins for Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand

As preparations get underway to finalise the England team for the Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand, fans begin the 100 day countdown to the start of the tournament.

1st June marks 100 days until the first scrum on 9th September when Tonga takes on the home nation at Eden Park, Auckland.

With packages to the momentous occasion still available through Gullivers Sports Travel, an Official Travel Agent of Rugby World Cup 2011, fans still have time to book tickets to one of the most passionate rugby countries in the world.

England players are currently in the midst of a series of five mini camps taking place at Twickenham between 16th May to 15th June to help rehabilitate players and prepare them for the warm-up matches on 6th and 13th August against Wales and 27th August against Ireland.

Andrew Sheridan, Charlie Hodgson, Hendre Fourie, Simon Shaw and Joe Simpson are just a few players who have been involved in the mini-camps which will ultimately serve as an aid to Martin Johnson as he chooses his final squad which will be named soon after the final camp on 15th June.

Rugby fans who have not yet booked their tickets to the flagship event can chose from hotel, campervan and cruise packages with Gullivers Sports Travel. The unique cruise opportunity aboard the Pacific Dawn will feature international rugby legends including Gareth ‘Cooch’ Chilcott (Bath, England and British Lions), Jason Leonard (Saracens, Harlequins, England, British and Irish Lions), Stuart Barnes (Bath, Bristol, England, British Lions – now a commentator for Sky Sports), Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) and Chris ‘Buddha’ Handy (Australia).

Gullivers Sports Travel’s ‘Odyssey Green’ tour (2nd – 25th October 2011) gives fans the chance to be at the most exciting stages of the tournament - the Auckland quarter-finals, semi-finals, Bronze Final (optional) and the all-important Rugby World Cup 2011 Final. Prices start from £8,725 per person including 14 nights full-board accommodation on board Pacific Dawn, 3 nights accommodation at the 4* Sky City Grand Hotel, in Auckland (including a gym, day spa, lap pool, sauna and spa pool), return international flights, the guarantee of official match tickets (charged separately at face value), airport transfers, on-board entertainment, welcome drinks reception and tour merchandise.

Alternatively, for those who would prefer to make their own way to the islands, from just £989 per person rugby fans can head to Auckland for the quarter-finals with a 2, 3 or 4 night package option including B&B accommodation and tickets.

For more information visit: gulliverstravel.co.uk