England Rugby 2015 ambassador Jonny Wilkinson played at four Rugby World Cups and was the hero of the hour in his country's triumph over Australia in 2003. Here, following the announcement of venues and the match schedule, he looks forward to the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2015 landing in England...
Rugby World Cups become markers for every moment in your career. They happen every four years but they set the tone for everything in between. They are the pinnacle of anyone's rugby life, and that will be no different when the tournament arrives in England in 2015.
I was very fortunate to go to four World Cups, and to win one in 2003. That tournament taught me a lot about England as a rugby nation. The support we had that year was amazing, from the fans outside the hotel to the sheer numbers that came to the games and cheered us on. Seeing England fans in the streets gave us the feeling that we weren't alone and come kick off we had a sea of white in the crowd.
We felt like we were at home and it gave us an extra boost. It did make a difference, so we can only imagine what it will be like in 2015. It's amazing what momentum counts for in a game of rugby. Crowds bringing that kind of energy can change an event, with support, good will and best wishes. It was pushing us along, it really was like an extra player on the field at times.
This current crop of England players have all that to look forward to and more from the home fans in 2015. Very few people get to experience World Cups, let alone one in your home country. This group of guys are going very well and building nicely. It's turning into a hell of a prospect and one that no-one wants to waste. I'm sure they will enjoy every moment of it.
We saw just that with the Olympics last year, which really set the bar. It was a great example of what can be achieved with good funding, good organisation and a positive attitude. It also showed what can be done on the back of great values, morality and also huge, open-minded support.
Rugby also embodies those values. That kind of attitude will be supported in a similar way by the fans. It will be up to the players on the field to offer an example of what rugby is all about to the supporters. That kind of reciprocal relationship and mutual respect is something I'm really excited about. With such a great set of venues lined up for Rugby World Cup 2015, we have a real shot at producing something special.
The stadiums for the tournament are situated across the length and breadth of the country, and that's about allowing rugby to grow, but it also offers a depth of experience as well. The competing teams will play around the country, at different grounds with unique atmospheres and challenges, and that's part of the amazing experience that is a World Cup.
You don't just turn up, stay somewhere for six weeks and hunker down in your hotel room. You're always on the move, visiting new places, dealing with new climates, new people, and new regional identities. Take the south west for example, where Gloucester and Exeter will be rolling out the welcome mat. Those are deep-seated rugby towns and places that will add a bit of intensity to matches. It doesn't matter who is playing at Kingsholm and Sandy Park, those are going to be very, very good games to go and watch because of what the local people will offer.
At the centre of it will be a place close to my heart, Twickenham. The experience there isn't just running out on the field, it's everything else. It's turning up at the game through the car park and seeing everyone getting ready for the match. It's walking into the changing rooms. It's the build-up beforehand, the feeling inside the place as fans take their seats. It's the buzz and excitement and then the last few minutes before kick off. Then it's that roar as you head out. Wherever you are, and whoever you're supporting, it's going to be a wonderful tournament.
