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.
Their side may have had a shaky start to the Rugby World Cup, but South Africa's fans go into today's match against Scotland with their trademark confidence.
The Fanzone in Newcastle is already filling up, ahead of the game at St James' Park this afternoon:
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.