Rugby Challenge gets release date right next to Rugby World Cup

Tru Blu Entertainment has given Rugby Challenge a release date of 2nd September today, pitting it head-to-head with Rugby World Cup 2011.

Tru Blu spoke to MCV about their expectations for the title, which is known internationally as Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge, in Australia as Wallabies Rugby Challenge and in New Zealand as All Blacks Rugby Challenge.

Sebastian Giompaolo, managing director at Tru Blu, told MCV: "We have previous experience with NRL and AFL licensed games and if it follows the same footsteps, we expect to do some great numbers, especially in New Zealand where the All Blacks are everything."

Tru Blu has previously refused to give an exact release date for Rugby Challenge, and the announcement falls directly in between the broken street date of Rugby World Cup 2011 and its official release tomorrow, making the pair fiercer competitors than ever.

Giompaolo continues: "Our competitive edge in Australia and New Zealand is of course localising the packaging and calling it "Wallabies Rugby Challenge" in Australia and "All Blacks Rugby Challenge" in New Zealand."

"Also, wehave exclusive licensesboth with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Australian Rugby Union and both Unions are getting behind the marketing of these products in a big way."

Rugby Challenge is releasing 2nd September on 360, PS3 and PC (via Steam), and on 8th September in South Africa. A PS Vita version has also been planned.

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