With 19 games from 6 different locations throughout Australia, radio will present comprehensive coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2003. ABC Local Radio is the non-commercial broadcaster and Macquarie Network is the commercial radio broadcaster for the series.

It all kicks off this Friday evening (October 10) with the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony, and first game of the Cup Argentina vs. Australia at Olympic Stadium in Sydney.

The Rugby World Cup came onto the international sporting stage 15 years ago, and now ranks as the third biggest sporting event behind the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. A record 80 nations from five continents were involved in the qualification, which produced the final 20 teams.

ABC Local Radio’s flagship sports program, Grandstand, will be there, with live commentary, special reports and summaries.

“It’s a professional challenge – and a huge responsibility – to call the games and provide the best coverage we can for listeners,” says Tim Gavel who will head ABC Radio’s team.

“The big thing for us to ensure we reflect the cultural significance of the event as well as broadcasting the games themselves.”

A full schedule of games, a breakdown of teams and full commentary on the Rugby World Cup as it unfolds can be found at the ABC’s website (below).

Two ABC listeners will win two seats to the Rugby World Cup grand final on November 22 in a nation-wide competition.

The full Grandstand commentary team includes Tim Gavel, Gerry Collins, David Nucifora, Scott Bowen, Damian Smith, Jim Maxwell, Geoff Didier and Quentin Hull, as well as involving many local sports specialists.

At the commercial World Cup broadcaster, 2GB CEO George Buschman says: “We are delighted to have secured these Rights, the Rugby World Cup will be the biggest sporting event in Australia has seen since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and this deal cements 2GB as Australia’s premier talk, sport and entertainment station.”