England's Rugby World Cup 2015: Nearly Million Tickets Sold For Next Year's Tournament

Almost a million tickets have already been sold for the Rugby World Cup, which is set to be held in England next autumn.

Some 950,000 tickets have been bought for the 2015 international tournament, after organisers received more than five million applicants during the 12 to 29 September sales period, with the successful applicants to be informed this Saturday (25 October).

Australia versus England in the group stage proved to be the most popular as 650,000 people applied to watch the game, which will be held at Twickenham's 82,000 seater stadium.

Half a million people applied for the World Cup final on 31 October, which is also taking place at Twickenham.

Demand outstripped supply for 23 of the 48 matches in all price categories, with a ballot run earlier this week for tickets.

As well as the 950,000 tickets that were sold in the September sale through the official Rugby World Cup channel, 340,000 tickets have been shifted through rugby clubs in England and Wales as part of the Rugby Community Programme.

Debbie Jevans, chief executive officer of England Rugby 2015 said: "We are thrilled with demand for tickets a year out from the tournament, and the record level of demand we saw in September is a terrific indicator of the general interest and excitement for Rugby World Cup 2015.

"Demand has exceeded supply for a high number of our matches, and the only downside of such strong demand is that there will inevitably be some disappointment when rugby fans are notified of the results of their applications on Saturday."

Sports Minister Helen Grant, added: "I am delighted with the public response to tickets going on sale for next year's Rugby World Cup. It bodes well for a fantastic tournament with teams from across the world competing in packed stadiums."

Those who missed out in the September sale will get priority when the next batch is released in November.