There was lots excitement, cheers and England flags around Newcastle's St James' Park today as thousands of rugby fans headed to the ground to watch the Rugby League World Cup 2021 kick of.
England took on Samoa this afternoon following an opening ceremony in the city. And as fans made their way to the stadium they were greeted by a specially-commissioned show, featuring dance, music and aerial performance, which told stories about the game and how it has evolved from its roots to the sport we see today.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, the Walker family, from Seaham, spoke of their pride that the tournament was being held in Newcastle. They said: "We got into rugby through Newcastle Thunder and really enjoy the rugby league. You can’t beat it opening in your own city, it makes you proud."
It was a view shared by the Williams family, from Heaton, who booked tickets for the game so they could see England play live for the first time. Dad, Joe Williams, said: "Having a World Cup in Newcastle is brilliant. We're really looking forward to it."
A huge opening ceremony was planned ahead of the league, with British indie rock band, Kaiser Chiefs, headlining the celebrations. And despite some technical difficulties at the start, spirits remained high in the grounds.
It was then time for England v Samoa mens, with many fans predicting a win for the England team.
Joe Williams predicted that England would win 36-6. While Jonathan Pickering, 31, who travelled from Doncaster with his girlfriend Siobhan Savage, 32, also predicted that the score would be 36 to England.
Speaking about why he wanted to travel to Newcastle to watch the game, Jonathan said: "I think the last time it was this accessible was 1995, but my dad didn't take me, so I wanted to come here today because it was too good an opportunity to miss."
He added: "I've been a rugby fan all of my life. My dad's from Wakefield and my grandmother would always take him, so I’ve grown up with it."
Lawry Tawasodi was among the fans cheering on Samoa today. Sporting the country's flag with pride, he said: "I'm excited. It's been two years in the making and we've got a great team so I think it will be a good game."
Newcastle is also home to a huge Fan Village stretching the length of Newcastle's Quayside. As well a large screen to watch the game, fans can enjoy access to a bar and street food vendors, in addition to a variety of interactive games suitable for the whole family.
The Fan Village opened on Friday evening with a number of live performances and street acts. And today's action will conclude with a firework display at the Quayside, when it is expected the Fan Village will be bustling with rugby fans.
Some fans headed to the Fan Village this afternoon to watch the game. Stuart Maxwell and Blair MacMillan arrived in Newcastle around an hour and a half before heading to the Fan Village. Blair travelled from Falkirk and Stuart arrived from Iceland today.
Blair said: "We dumped our bags in the hotel and came straight here to watch the game. It seems good. There's plenty to keep the kids busy and I’ve enjoyed watching the zip line."
Blair added: "We're meeting some friends who are travelling from Leeds and we're going to the Scotland v Italy game tomorrow."
Louise Jago, 38, and Eva Trewick, 15, from Ashington, also headed to the Fan Village on Newcastle Quayside to watch the game. Louise said: "It's been really good, very family oriented with lots of games for the kids."
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