Experience rugby's passion and history in New Zealand

With the training squad named for the year’s ‘must-see’ tournament, fans are gearing up to fly to the other side of the world to watch Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand.

Yesterday, the shortlist of 45 players was released by England manager Martin Johnson who said they all have a chance to compete in New Zealand following the ‘intense and competitive’ training camp.

Lewis Moody, Jonny Wilkinson and Mike Tindall are three of the more experienced players named by Johnson plus five uncapped players – Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers), Mouritz Botha (Saracens), Joe Simpson (London Wasps) and Charlie Sharples (Gloucester).

According to England wing Mark Cueto, there is hope the squad can battle its way into the finals and England half fly Toby Flood said he would be disappointed if the team didn’t make the semis.

England’s rugby team is now looking ahead to the Investec International matches against Wales on 6th August at Twickenham, Wales on 13th August at the Millennium Stadium and Ireland 27th August at the Aviva Stadium.

More than 85,000 fans are expected to flood to New Zealand which is steeped with rugby passion and history. Emirates Live is offering rugby-lovers the chance to be there at every stage of the tournament with both land and sea accommodation packages as well as the guarantee of official category B match tickets.

Rugby enthusiasts can choose from a range of options including an unescorted tour to the semi-finals and finals in Auckland from £4,943pp (14th to 25th October) with B&B accommodation at the 4* Rendezvous Hotel. Or, alternatively fans can experience the same matches and dates on-board the 4* Pacific Dawn Cruise Liner from £4,321pp. The liner will be moored just a short walk from Eden Park Stadium in Auckland and the package includes transfers, welcome drinks, entertainment with ex-rugby players and celebrity guests, plus a trip to the stunning Bay of Islands and Tauranga.

Other packages start from as little as £840pp. All prices exclude flights which will be added at the time of booking.

For more information visit: emirateslive.com