Best seats at Rugby World Cup can be yours with a little application

So you do not need to apply straightaway?

No, although that should not stop you from applying next Friday if you know which matches you want to attend. Tickets are not sold on a first-come, first-served basis so it will not affect your chances if you apply on the first day or the last. If you apply towards the end of the application window you will also be able to see which games have already gone to ballot so you can make a more informed decision, but do not leave it too late.

How does the ballot work?

Where matches are oversubscribed a ballot will be run by match, and by price category, so that all tickets are fairly allocated. It will start from the most oversubscribed match down to the least oversubscribed match to ensure everyone who applies has the best possible chance to be successful.

How do I know which games have gone to ballot?

There will be clear indicators on the website to show which games have become oversubscribed and gone to ballot; these are likely to include most of the matches in the knockout stage as well as England’s pool games.

What is the best tactic to employ if you want to attend an England game?

In theory, you could apply for every England match and then specify the maximum number of matches you want using the “Match Manager” tool. This strategy will enable you to hedge your bets, but it offers no guarantees because demand will be extremely high.

How does the Match Manager tool work?

For example, you can apply for 20 matches but set the Match Manager to five matches. This will ensure that you are allocated no more than five of the 20 matches you have applied for. Once your Match Manager cap is hit, we will not allocate any more matches. The use of Match Manager is optional.

What if I just want to see one World Cup game?

Target matches outside London at bigger stadiums that do not involve England. For example, a family of four can see South Africa v Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on September 19 or Australia play at Villa Park on September 27 for £70.

What happens after I have applied?

You can amend your application after you have submitted it, or withdraw it completely, at any time during the general ticket sale window from September 12 to 29. Once the window closes the ballot will take place and successful applicants will be notified in October. You will only be charged after you have received confirmation of your successful application. There is no booking fee but there will be a £5 charge for postage. Tickets will be sent out in the summer of 2015.

How will the seats be allocated?

Seats will be randomly allocated within the particular price category. All tickets purchased together in a single transaction will be seated together. If you make than more than one transaction for the same match, we cannot guarantee that all the seats will be together. Once your seats are allocated they cannot be changed.

Is there a second chance to get tickets?

Any unsold tickets from the first general public sale will go on sale in November on a first-come, first-served basis. There will also be an official resale programme through tickets.rugbyworldcup.com for fans to sell any unwanted tickets at face value to other supporters in spring 2015.

Are there any other ways to get tickets?

You can also purchase tickets through England Rugby Travel and other official travel agents for RWC 2015. All official ticket suppliers are listed at ww.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing/ index.html. If you purchase your tickets through an alternative supplier then you are likely to pay a significant mark-up and run the risk of being denied entry. Don’t be a victim of ticket fraud. Unauthorised sources will try to exploit fans via unofficial ticketing so buy your official tickets at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com to ensure you don’t miss out.

Can you use any bank card to pay for tickets?

Any card except American Express. MasterCard, an official sponsor, have waived their transaction charges but a 2 per cent transaction charge will apply for all other credit cards. Debit card payments will not incur any charges. And don’t forget to use your MasterCard for your chance at Priceless Surprises and exclusive access to the tournament.

How many tickets were reserved for the rugby community?

The rugby community in England and Wales purchased over 300,000 tickets earlier this year. There are up to one million tickets on general sale.

Five golden rules

1. Create an account on the official RWC 2015 ticket website

In order to apply for tickets from September 12, 2014, you will need to create an account at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Simply go to the website and enter your details to be ready to apply for tickets

2. Choose the matches you want to apply for

Forty-eight matches will be played across the country at Rugby World Cup 2015 and 41 of these have child prices available. So start planning your own match schedule before tickets go on sale. You can apply for a maximum of four tickets per match and for as many matches as you like. For 15 matches you can get the rugby team back together or attend with a group of friends and apply for up to 15 tickets. All details available at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

3. A fair ballot

Tickets for all 48 matches will go on sale but demand is expected to be high. Where matches are oversubscribed a fair ballot will be held to ensure that all fans have an equal chance to secure tickets. The application window will be open from September 12 to 29. Tickets are not sold on a first-come, first-served basis so you can apply at any point

4. Manage your choices with Match Manager

Maximise your chances to attend Rugby World Cup 2015 with our Match Manager tool. Apply for as many matches as you like and then cap the number you can be successful for in the ballot. For more information on match manager see tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

5. Confirming your tickets

Fans will find out which tickets they have successfully purchased in October 2014 following the close of the application window and the ballot