January 7^th, 2005 (12:29pm) - Electronic Arts today announced that EA Sports Rugby 2005 is under development as the newest ongoing franchise in EA’s sports lineup, heralding the sport’s emergence as a global phenomenon. The game, which features a host of gameplay and graphical upgrades, will deliver an authentic rugby experience and is scheduled for release in spring 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and the PC.

“EA Sports is committed to making the most complete and authentic rugby game possible,” said Andrew Wilson, producer of the game. “By leveraging our sports technology and experience to create EA Sports Rugby 2005, we feel we can grow a successful interactive franchise for one of the fastest growing sports in the world.”

EA Sports Rugby 2005 incorporates all the major Rugby teams, players, and tournaments, including the Tri-Nations, Super 12 and many more authentic and prestigious events from the world of Rugby. The game incorporates a completely upgraded graphical engine with individually differentiated players, realistic motion-captured player animations, dramatic lighting and cameras, and stadiums that are accurate with details such as crowd reactions, songs, and chants. EA Sports Rugby 2005 plays realistically with on-the-fly play-calling, right analog stick controls for fakes and crushing hits and improved kicking control. The game also features a ‘Rugby 101’ training mode outlining the rules, controls, and tactics of the sport through videos and interactive challenges.

EA Sports Rugby 2005 is being produced by EA Canada where such hit franchises as FIFA Soccer, NBA Live and NHL are made. EA Sports Rugby 2005 is being developed by HB Studios. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.