RWC - Underpinning my love for Rugby

After two visits to Kingsholm for a couple of World Cup games,

p>I have come away with my love of rugby reaffirmed. From the moment we walked out of Gloucester station the RWC volunteers greeted us with humour, smiles and helpfulness.

As we made our way to the stadium we were greeted by one or two boos and calls of "what's that Wuss shirt doing here" but it was all good natured banter and the Cherry and White fans seemed to be very pleased to see us, even in the heart of The Shed, although I was "barred" by a Gloucester steward for about 2 seconds on account of my Warriors shirt.

My experience of the organisation of the tournament has been a very positive one. From the time I purchased tickets the information from the RWC has been excellent. I was kept well informed on the progress of the dispatching of my tickets in amongst the many thousands that were sent out over a month or so.

As the games got closer, I got emails regarding travel arrangements, directing me to a travel webpage on the RWC site and mobile app giving all the options for travel and the car parking situation for the grounds I had tickets for.

A week before the travel, venue and other advice was sent by email

There was a Match Preview email, which I really liked as the information was right up to date. One of my colleagues had tickets for Wales Fiji and the travel information was very persistent on account of the difficulties with trains from previous games, so there is really no excuse for getting to a game late or unprepared for the "scrum" after the game getting home.

At the stadium it's self the drinks weren't too expensive, usual sort of prices at a sports venue and have paid more elsewhere. We didn't buy any food so can't comment on the price or the quality.

The only slight issue I had with Kingsholm is that it needs more ladies loos in the area of The Shed and the North Stand. But we coped and it didn't detract from two fabulous days out.

The second game in particular was the one that had me beaming from ear to ear at the glory that is a rugby crowd. There were Scots, Welsh, Irish, English, Argentinian and Georgia fans in very close proximity, as you are in the Shed, and the banter and chat was epic. Lots of laughter and smiles all round, even when things didn't quite go the way of the Georgians.

Our next game is at a much bigger stadium, Manchester City Stadium, and a football venue so it will be interesting to contrast that with the more familiar ground in Kingsholm.

Watch this space for the next instalment!