• Four billion fans are expected to watch the televised matches, making the RWC the third-largest worldwide sporting event, behind the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Eighty-six nations from five continents competed in 191 matches over three years to qualify for the Rugby World Cup.
• An estimated 2.4 million spectators will watch games at 12 venues in France.
• Six hundred players from 20 teams will play 48 games to determine a champion.
• • This year’s host country, France, has never failed to reach the elite eight and has twice reached the finals but has yet to win the Rugby World Cup.
• The All Blacks are the only team to reach the semifinals in every World Cup (they last lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 1987).
• In 2003, England became the first Northern-Hemisphere nation to win the World Cup.
• Although most of the tournament will be played in France at a dozen venues, Scotland will host two pool matches in Edinburgh; Wales will host three pool matches as well as one quarterfinal match in Cardiff.
• A new qualifying structure will give the top three finishers of the pool rounds automatic qualification into the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/?id=1302