Anger and disbelief as Leicester Tigers' Welford Road stadium snubbed by 2015 Rugby World Cup
Rugby fans have taken to Twitter to express their anger and disbelief at the decision not to include Welford Road as a rugby World Cup venue in 2015.
It was announced earlier today that Leicester Tigers' ground - the biggest club rugby ground in England - has been axed as a potential venue for the 2015 World Cup.
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The ground has been left off the long list of 17 stadia published by tournament organisers England Rugby 2015. However, Leicester City's home ground, the King Power Stadium, has made it on to the list.
Tournament organisers believe the 32,000-seater King Power Stadium has more suitable off-field facilities than Welford Road.
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Reaction to the decision was swift and many fans tweeted their dismay at the omission of Welford Road and some called for England Rugby 2015 to have a rethink.
Viren Kadodwala @VirenKadodwala tweeted: "Why is Kingsholm on the shortlist for RWC venues and not Welford Road? Madness." Meanwhile, Alastair JR Ball @AlastairJRBall said: "My home town of Leicester is snubbed from hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup despite having the biggest capacity."
Warren Manger @warrenmanger said: "Feel sorry for @LeicesterTigers that Welford Road not shortlisted as #WorldCup venue. Delighted for @RicohArena it's a great venue for rugby."
Many fans were perplexed at the decision. Matt Elliott @mattelliott321 said: "It is a shocking decision that Welford Road hasn't been chosen as a shortlisted ground for the RWC. But at least Leicester is represented."
And Stuart Haines @Haines11 tweeted: "I can't understand why they've gone for Filbert Way instead of Welford Road."
Sports pundit Charles Dagnall @sportdaggers was also surprised: "It's been 5 hours or so since I read that welford road will not be a RWC 2015 venue. Still shaking my head. Unbelievable!"
Phil Mackenzie @Phister13 said: "Welford Road not deemed an acceptable venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Still trying to figure that one out."
Leicester Mercury rugby correspondent Martin Crowson @martin_crowson was also surprised by the decision: "Huge own goal by RFU not selecting Welford Road for World Cup. An amazing decision."
And De Montfort University Vice Chancellor Dominic Shellard @DMUV was calling for the decision to be overturned: "Astonished Welford Rd has not been shortlisted as venue for 2015 World Cup. Let's get this myopic decision overturned."
What do you think? Add your vote to our online poll (at the top of this page) and tweet @thisisleics and rugby correspondent @martin_crowson or leave your comments below.
RELATED ARTICLE: Welford Road misses out as rugby World Cup venue
Comments
by Hamilton_Paul
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 12:02PM
“Isn't this why the Tigers want to re-develop the whole ground? so they can put in more bars and toilets etc. The ownership of the club know this, hence the new stand and development plans which include a new car park.
Although if it took 10 mins to get a beer and go to the toilet at KP it did not take much time to enjoy the beer on Sat as unlike the Tigers you can not take the beer to the terrace and enjoy it.”
by andyleccy1
Monday, October 08 2012, 9:11PM
“Up the City and the fantastic King Power Stadium, fully agree with the comments posted already, the footy stadium is set up for major events and has the base for off field activities in the vast carparking areas, Tigers need to look at themselves comercially, getting to the ground safely surrounded by main roads must of also been a deciding factor.”
by tigerglory
Monday, October 08 2012, 6:02PM
“Totally correct decision. Welford rd steeped in history however is a terrible place to enjoy rugby (onpitch 'entertainment' aside). Unless you are sat in prawn sandwich zone you can only expect to have couple of beers before KO (depending on arrival time) and ZERO beers at HT as queues/bottle necks ridiculous.
Whoever is commercial director at tigers should be sh0t as the income lost over course of season must be significant. Chairman bleating about how unfair it is clearly not walked around ground on match day - not enough bars. Not enough toilets.
It took me 10mins to go to little boys room and grab a beer at KP on saturday.... wake up tigers and instead of planning major stand development, give the little people beer!”