For eight days, one of the biggest sporting events in the world makes its home in the North East. New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and Tonga - along with their fans - will come together in Newcastle to cheer on their team and celebrate sport.
In around three hours the first Rugby World Cup game in Newcastle kicks off.
Tens of thousands of fans have converged on the city, and police say the atmosphere has been great so far.
The Magpies have moved to allay any worries about the pitch at St James' Park following the Rugby World Cup matches.
Officers have thanked rugby fans from across the world and local people after Newcastle successfully hosted three World Cup matches.
Scotland are into the World Cup quarter-finals, but only after a nerve-shredding 36-33 win over Samoa in Newcastle.