ALBERT Square will host one of fifteen national Rugby World Cup 2015 fanzones from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October.

"The Fanzone is going to be the perfect place to take in the games and enjoy the festive atmosphere"

England hosts the eighth Rugby World Cup from 18 September to 31 October and more than one million spectators are expected to attend Fanzones across the country.

England take on Uruguay at the Manchester City Stadium (Etihad Stadium) on Saturday 10 October, and with competition for stadium tickets fierce it is hoped the 8000-capactiy Fanzone will go some way to placate those that aren't so lucky.

Created by World Cup organisers, England Rugby 2015, the fanzone outside Manchester Town Hall will feature a big screen, food, drink and entertainment; the fanzone will be showing a number of matches over the course of the weekend.

Fanzone CGIFanzone CGI

Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said: “Excitement is already building for this year’s Rugby World Cup and the Fanzone is going to be the perfect place to take in the games and enjoy the festive atmosphere with like-minded sports fans.

“Boasting a selection of events across the weekend the Fanzone is going to be a must-visit destination for everyone, whether they’re going to the big game or just want to watch the match in style.”

Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive Officer of England Rugby 2015, said: “With less than six months to go we are delighted to announce the locations of the Official Fanzones, alongside details of the 100 day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across the UK and Ireland. The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 is on and fans can now really begin to plan their tournament experience, be it through watching the matches, through Fanzones, the Festival of Rugby and the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.”

Rugby fans can also look forward to the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour when Rugby’s greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, will travel to Manchester from 25-27 July - more here.

Further information about the Rugby World Cup 2015 Fanzones can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com/fanzones