Editorial: The big event is here at last

Finally, New Zealand's Rugby World Cup is here.

After a false start a few years ago when we squandered the shared hosting rights we can at last, for the first time in 24 long years, welcome the world to our doorstep for a showcase of the best in global rugby.

If you're not a rugby fan you might be in for a tough several weeks.

As I've said before, we won't swamp you with rugby in The Daily Post, but we will continue to give the event great coverage from both a local and national perspective.

Even if you don't enjoy watching the game it's going to be hard not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding the tournament.

Yesterday's events at Ohinemutu for rugby officials and the Samoan rugby squad were an amazing example of manaakitanga, making visitors feel welcome.

The visiting team were moved by the experience, with the captain saying it was "really impressive and very humbling to be welcomed in such a warm way. It was amazing".

Hundreds turned out for the event and helped put on a truly fantastic Rotorua welcome.

And there are going to be plenty more opportunities to get involved in World Cup festivities, including, of course, going along to the matches themselves.

First up: Fiji v Namibia at the International Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

There's sure to be a great atmosphere along with some exciting running rugby.

And don't forget tonight's big All Blacks opener, in which we're sure to kick things off with a winning start.

The Rugby World Cup doesn't come along very often - enjoy it while you can.