Before the start of a big tournament, there is always that "don't know why it is needed, but there it is again; oh wait, it is not too bad" opening ceremony. With the 2015 Rugby World Cup starting on Friday when England host Fiji at Twickenham, we will have a grand Opening Ceremony of the Rugby World Cup as well.
Scheduled to begin an hour before the first match of the tournament, the opening ceremony, which has a theme of "breaking new ground", will have plenty of VVIPs in attendance, led by the UK prime minister David Cameron and the royal trio of Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.
"As a passionate rugby fan, I will share in the rollercoaster of emotions with millions of other fans around the world between now and 31 October," Prince Harry, who will give a speech during the opening ceremony, said.
"It is this rollercoaster that makes sport -- and especially rugby -- so compelling. I have no doubt that all the highs and lows, the drama and tension, will create unforgettable memories."
"I believe that this World Cup, more than any before, has the potential to grow the game, both at home and abroad, by inspiring children of all backgrounds, and encouraging men and women of all ages and abilities, to embrace rugby."
Cameron will also be part of the opening ceremony, and the prime minister believes this tournament will again show why the UK is the "best at hosting sporting events."
"The tournament promises to be the best ever and it will leave a lasting legacy for the sport in our country and around the world," Cameron said.
"The sporting drama of the coming weeks will inspire tens of thousands more people to pick up a rugby ball and play the game, and the RFU is investing millions more in clubs up and down the country, training more coaches, and reaching out to make sure rugby is played in more schools.
"The whole country will join with the cities hosting games in England and Wales to offer the warmest of welcomes to visiting teams and fans, and I wish all four Home Nations the very best of luck.
"I hope you are going to see an extraordinary festival of sport in the coming weeks and we are so proud to be the host. Once again we want to demonstrate that Britain is the best host for sporting events in the world."
Where to Watch Live
The 2015 Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony is scheduled for a 7 pm local time (11.30 pm IST, 2 pm ET) start. Live coverage of the opening ceremony in India will be on Sony Six and livsports.in.
Viewers in the UK can watch the half-an-hour or so of action on ITV1, with the live streaming online option on ITV Player.
Audience in the USA can watch the rugby World Cup opening ceremony live on Universal Sports, while the extravaganza can also be live streamed on Universal Sports Online.
Viewers in Australia can watch the opening ceremony live on Fox Sports 2, with the live stream option on Foxtel Play. The action will be shown live in New Zealand on Sky Sport, while the opening ceremony can also be watched via live streaming on Sky Go NZ.
The Opening ceremony will be shown live in South Africa on SuperSport, while the live stream option is on SuperSport Live Video.
