505 wins Rugby World Cup

505 will publish the official Rugby World Cup 2011 game on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this August, ahead of the tournament itself in September and October.

It is a major coup for the firm, which has already started the year in fine style with Zumba Fitness currently at number two in the All Formats chart.

The last time there was an official World Cup game was way back in 1995. The 2011 game will be developed by Canada’s HB Studios, the team behind EA’s series of Rugby titles and will be the first released on the current generation of consoles.

505’s managing director Ian Howe commented: It’s a huge coup for us to be working with HB Studios on this opportunity and we could not be any more excited about this title. Rugby World Cup is one of the top sporting events on the planet and HB Studios have proven time and time again that they are experts in developing sports games that deliver on every level.

We’re thrilled to be part of this huge spectacle and to be publishing one of the most visible games of the year.”