Buying rugby match tickets is never easy. But with the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand less than a year away, buying tickets for rugby matches between the likes of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand (who make up the tri-nations), not to mention the major teams of England and France, only gets harder from here on in. But if you need to get hold of tickets to rugby games, I've got some great advice I'd like to share with you.

The Rugby World Cup kicks off at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand against Tonga on 9th September 2011. I can't wait. I've played rugby for years and I love being a part of a game. But if I can't I'll make sure I'm in the ground instead. There's little that can compare with a full stadium of 80,000 fans roaring on 30 men, all of them tough as nails. The ebb and flow of attack and defence, the sheer force of the game - it's compelling. That's why I'll be watching the Super 15 in January between club teams in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. I'll also see as much as I can of the Six Nations in February, between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy - they're both brilliant tournaments.

I was at the final of the last rugby World Cup in Paris - England vs. South Africa. It was an incredibly tight game which South Africa won. Over three years on, I wanted to see how they'd square up at Twickenham in London, the world's biggest dedicated rugby stadium. Basic tickets were sold out, as expected. Touts are rarely worth the risk, and I wanted great seats. Keith Prowse looks after all of Twickenham's corporate hospitality, bar the private boxes, so I treated myself to the works - a champagne reception, four-course meal before the game, a good burgundy wine and, critically, a seat. There's more, but you know I don't like to brag...

(There was free beer too)

England stumbled, South Africa were ruthless. Plenty to think about ahead of the world cup. It was a great day out. Sure, it came at a premium but I saw the game and that's what counts. You can be there too.

Where to buy rugby tickets:

• In any given venue, the stadium is split between individual tickets and corporate hospitality seats. For an event like the rugby world cup, the weighting towards corporate hospitality and rugby tours is much higher.
• To get your hands on an individual ticket (i.e. one that doesnt come with lunch or dinner or free drinks) you'll most likely need to be a full supporter of the rugby union hosting the game, or of the away team. So at least buy your way into the queue by signing up to the supporters club.
• Only a tiny proportion are ever offered for sale to the general public via sites like Ticketmaster or direct from the organiser.
• You can buy individual tickets via eBay, fan-to-fan websites like Seatwave or from touts on the street (with no website and definitely no refunds), but you take a real risk with all of these.
• Corporate hospitality tickets or tickets reserved for tours come at a premium, not least because of the extras included like food, drink and premium seats, but are legit. Check with Rugby Travel and Hospitality for a list of the official outlets for the rugby world cup . here.

Always remember your mates. Remember to ask them if they've got tickets or know a man who does. Of course, if they come through for you, remember to take them along to the game, no excuses.