Sports Listings: Plan ahead: 1995 Rugby Union World Cup

WITH the Five Nations' Championship concluded, England's preparations for the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup take them to South Africa for an eight-match tour in May and June. Several travel companies are offering packages with tickets and sightseeing for part of the tour, though tailor-made trips are possible.

The Rugby Football Union will shortly receive a ticket allocation from the South African RFU. Depending on its application from member clubs, individual travellers should be able to purchase tickets for all the provincial games and the two Test matches, though proof of travel to South Africa will be needed.

England's tour of South Africa, 18 May to 11 June.

Itinerary: 18 May v Orange Free State (Bloemfontein); 21 May v Natal (Durban); 25 May v Western Transvaal (Potchefstroom); 28 May v Transvaal (Johannesburg); 31 May v South Africa B (Kimberley); 4 June First Test (Pretoria); 7 June v Eastern Province (Port Elizabeth); 11 June Second Test (Cape Town).

Ticket Office, Rugby Football Union, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DZ (Tel: 081-892 8161; fax: 081-892 9816).

Gullivers Sports Travel, Fiddington Manor, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 7BJ (Tel: 0684-293175; fax: 0684- 297926). 14-night package costs pounds 1,549 and includes three provincial games, both Tests and tickets. 7-night tour at pounds 1,220 takes in both Tests, a provincial game and tickets. Thorny Bush Game Lodge safari at pounds 262 is optional. Tailor- made trips can be arranged.

International Events, Discovery Court, 162 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2EX (Tel: 0452-383931; fax: 0452- 383130). 18 nights from pounds 1,549 and includes three provincial games, both Tests and tickets.

Kuoni Travel Ltd, Kuoni House, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4AZ (Tel: 0306-744477; fax: 0306-744155). 14-night package at pounds 1,499 includes two provincial games, both Tests and tickets. Optional tour to Mabula Lodge and Safari ( pounds 286).

Mike Burton Sports Management, Bastion House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JJ (Tel: 0452-419666; fax: 0452- 527500). 9-night package at pounds 1,395 includes both Tests, one provincial game and tickets. Optional tour to Sun City pending conditions at pounds 275.

Rugby Travel, 9 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3JZ (Tel: 081-892 0011; fax: 018-744 1169). Makulu 16-night tour at pounds 1,425 includes both Tests and three provincial matches. Lenyani 8-night tour takes in one provincial game and both Tests at pounds 995. Tickets are extra.

South African Supporters Tour, Rugby World, Astley House, 33 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ (Tel: 071-243 5039). 10-night package at pounds 1,099 includes both Tests, one provincial game and tickets.

Glyn Maddocks of Specialised Travel Ltd, 8 Belmont, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5DZ (Tel: 0225-315834; fax: 0225- 446093). Ring for details on packages.

Sport Abroad Ltd, The Travel Centre, Wix Hill House, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6DZ (Tel: 0483-225000; fax: 0483- 211369). 9-night package costs pounds 995 and includes one provincial game, both Tests and tickets. Optional tours available.

Team Sports International Ltd, 2 Lowerfold Close, Rochdale OL12 7HY (Tel or fax 0706-715808 or 0656-767577 in Wales). 9-night package at pounds 1,199 includes both Tests, one provincial match and tickets. Optional tours available.