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LONDON - England replica World Cup jerseys are so popular the governing body of the game has run out, leaving fans placing huge bids for them on internet auction sites.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said they had sold all their 20,000 replica tops as excitement mounts over the unfancied defending champions' run to Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa.
A further 20,000 ordered by high street retailers from manufacturers Nike have also sold out, with no prospect of fresh supplies, The Times newspaper reported.
The World Cup shirts, costing 49.99 pounds (102 dollars, 72 euros), bear the tournament icon and no sponsor's logo.
"It is a design people either love or hate, and fortunately it has proved very popular," said Andy Ward, the RFU's head of retail.
"I am delighted that we have sold 46 per cent more than in 2003," when England won the tournament for the first time.
"I don't think it is a problem of not ordering enough. It is down to rugby fans really getting behind their team and supporting the underdog after coming through a pretty poor first two games."
The RFU sold out its stock after England's surprise 12-10 quarter-final win over Australia.
"This has been the most successful shirt we have sold through the RFU," said Nike UK spokesman Charlie Brooks.
Sales of England rugby shirts are now outstripping England football jerseys by more than two to one on eBay, the internet auction site said Wednesday.
Some 521 rugby tops have been sold for an average price of 21.91 pounds in the past week, compared to 202 football shirts at an average of 7.03 pounds each.
One bidder even paid 150.10 pounds for a replica rugby jersey.
Meanwhile, tickets for the World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris on eBay are on offer at up to 5,000 pounds for a pair.
The average price of individual sales peaked on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at just under 1,800 pounds, with the average for the past two weeks at 1,100.57 pounds.
The top bid - for six pairs of tickets - reached 9,141.19. pounds.
- AFP