Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

RWC 2015: When is the opening ceremony, what time does it start, what will be in it and where can I watch it?

All you need to know about the official start of the Rugby World Cup

Friday 18 September 2015 09:32 BST

A view of Twickenham Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

The Rugby World Cup begins tonight when England take on Fiji in the first game of the tournament.

But before that, there's the obligatory opening ceremony to get through.

Rugby World Cup's might not be renowned for their opening ceremonies in the way events such as the Olympics are, but with English rugby given an opportunity to impress with the world looking on, it should still be quite a show at Twickenham tonight.

Here's everything you need to know about the official start of the tournament...

What time does the opening ceremony start?

The official start of the ceremony is scheduled for 7pm on Friday 18 September.

How long does the event last?

England are kicking off their match against Fiji at 8pm so don't worry, it won't go on too long. It's expected to last around 25 minutes in total. However the ‘pre-show’ is expected to begin at 6:45pm, 15 minutes after fans are asked to take their seats.

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

Show all 10

1/1010 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

1. Jonny May, England

May came and went from the international stage as fast as he finishes tries, but a strong end to the season with Gloucester set him up to star in England’s World Cup training camp and beat Chris Ashton and Marland Yarde to selection. His double against Ireland in the final warm-up match marks him out as England’s go-to finisher.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

2. Robbie Henshaw, Ireland

Henshaw announced his arrival on the international stage with the match-winning try over England in this year’s Six Nations, and the Ulster centre is a key reason why the Irish haven’t felt the loss of Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll. Henshaw is a powerful runner who is also blessed with lovely passing ability and can unlock an opposing defence.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

3. Finn Russell, Scotland

The Scottish fly-half position remains one of uncertainty but, in Russell, Vern Cotter has a No 10 that has the attacking awareness to get Scotland among the tries. After their reliance on the points machine that was Chris Paterson, Russell could be the man to show they still play running rugby north of the border.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

4. Liam Williams, Wales

Leigh Halfpenny’s absence could, somehow, be a blessing in disguise if Williams makes the full-back berth his own. The 24-year-old Scarlets flyer found himself on the wing in the Six Nations, but now back in his favoured position and with a desire to run from just about anywhere, Williams could be one of the success stories of the autumn.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

5. Nehe Milner-Skudder, New Zealand

Many on these shores will not know who the Hurricanes wing is, but his rise from Super Rugby to the All Blacks superstar has been rapid. Equally adept at playing at full-back, Milner-Skudder has been tipped to take the tournament’s top scorer crown, and his two tries against Australia on debut suggest he’ll certainly be in the mix.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

6. Scott Sio, Australia

A dominant Australian loose-head prop? Never! That would have been the answer until this year’s Rugby Championship, when Sio not only strengthened the Wallabies pack but took the fight to the New Zealand eight and then some.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

7. Damian de Allende, South Africa

De Allende looks set to feature alongside captain Jean de Villiers in the Springbok centre, and he might just be one of those that lights up the World Cup. His lack of experience is countered by his ability to break the line and, with pace enough for a wing, just watch him go when he breaks free.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

8. Pablo Matera, Argentina

If Argentina harbour any hopes of beating New Zealand to top spot in Pool C, they’re going to need to stand firm and concede as few tries as possible. In Matera, they hold a tackling machine who can chop down most of those in his way.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

9. Ben Volavola, Fiji

The Fijian fly-half caught the eye of New Zealand heavyweights Crusaders in the Super 15, leading to a move to the Land of the Long White Cloud that has put him in good stead to start for Fiji at Twickenham tomorrow. Keep an eye out for him trying to prove a point to his former coach at the Waratahs, Michael Cheika, when Fiji meet Australia.

Getty Images

10 emerging players to watch at the Rugby World Cup

10. Gael Fickou, France

The young France centre will be a memorable name for English fans following his match-winning try in their 2014 Six Nations match. Despite making his mark that day, the 21-year-old Toulouse back is yet to tie down a regular place in Les Bleus’ starting XV, but why not choose England 2015 to help France go one better than 2011’s final defeat?

Getty Images

Where can I watch it?

ITV will have live coverage of the ceremony ahead of England vs Fiji, starting at 6.45pm.

What will happen during the ceremony?

That would spoil the surprise! What we know so far is that the theme for the opening ceremony is “Breaking New Ground”, although what that actually means is anyone's guess.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies