Rita Ora to headline opening day of Women's Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2021 has announced an exciting list of artists to perform at Eden Park throughout the Rugby World Cup in October and November, with only one month to go until the tournament kicks off in Auckland.

International singer-songwriter and record-breaking chart-topper, Rita Ora has been named to headline the opening match day on Saturday 8 October at Eden Park.

Shapeshifter will take to the stage during the semi-finals at Eden Park on Saturday 5 November with Award-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter BENEE due to headline the finals taking place at Eden Park on Saturday 12 November.

Organisers are targeting a world record for attendance at a women’s Rugby World Cup match during Opening Match Day which will feature the much-anticipated triple-header; South Africa v France, Fiji v England and culminating with Australia taking on New Zealand’s five-time Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns. It will be the Black Ferns’ first ever Rugby World Cup match in front of a home crowd.

Rita Ora will perform at the end of the Fiji v England match on the opening day and again at half-time of the Australia v New Zealand match. Shapeshifter will perform at the Semi-finals on Saturday 5 November at the end of the first match and again at half time of the second. BENEE will perform at the Bronze Final and Final on Saturday 12 November at the end of the Bronze Final and at half time of the Final.

This is the first time the biggest global event in women’s 15s has been staged in the Southern Hemisphere, contested by the top 12 teams in the world at three match venues – Eden Park, Wait?kere Stadium and Northland Events Centre.

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper said, “We’re ecstatic to welcome Rita Ora, BENEE and Shapeshifter to the Rugby World Cup 2021 wh?nau.

“Rugby World Cup 2021 will be a world-class festival of rugby and music, celebrating w?hine toa on and off the field and providing unforgettable moments for the competing teams and fans alike. Those in the stands will get unbelievable value, witnessing the best women’s rugby in the world, as well as the best entertainment in between matches on a scale never seen before at a women’s Rugby World Cup. The atmosphere in stadia is something we hope will be etched into the memories of fans and players for a lifetime and will go on to inspire our tamariki to pursue their dreams and aspirations through sport.”

Speaking on the announcement, Rita Ora said, “I can’t wait to perform in Aotearoa and join these incredible female athletes in such a historic moment for women’s rugby. I’m honoured to be a part of the Rugby World Cup 2021 family and to share the stage with amazing talent as we shine a light on women’s sport. New Zealand holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to connecting with the fans, players and everyone involved during my time at the tournament.”

For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://tickets2021.rugbyworldcup.com