Today is undoubtedly a landmark day for Darlington Mowden Park RFC, with the announcement that current World Cup champions New Zealand are to use the club as a Team Base during next year's competition.

The All Blacks - victorious on home soil in 2011 - will enjoy full use of the facilities at the Northern Echo Arena ahead of their fixture with Tonga at St James' Park on October 9.

DMP is to be one of 41 official Team Bases all told, having negotiated a rigorous selection process which began in May 2013.

Prior to confirmation of its status as a Team Base, DMP has had to work incredibly closely with tournament organisers - a procedure entailing thorough site visits, as well as liaison with the NZRU itself.

New Zealand begin the defence of their title with fixtures against Argentina and Namibia in London, moving on to Cardiff to take on outsiders Georgia, before heading to the North East to tackle the Sea Eagles in their closing pool stage match.

Darren Shand - manager of the two-time world champions - said: "The All Blacks are looking forward to coming to England and Wales next year for Rugby World Cup 2015. We will be based in London, Cardiff and County Durham at the tournament, and, while preparing for our Test matches will be key, we are also looking forward to experiencing the local culture in each of the areas."

Along with three venues on Tyneside, DMP is among only four Team Bases in the region, with St James' Park set to host three fixtures during next autumn's rugby extravaganza.

Lee Rust - DMP's commercial director - said: "We are truly delighted to have been chosen as a Team Base for Rugby World Cup 2015. It will give not just Mowden Park, but Darlington and the entire North East, an opportunity to showcase as hosts and to become an integral part of one of the largest sporting events in the world.

"There was an exceptionally detailed and well-organised tender process lasting over a year. To come out with an end result of having New Zealand, current world champions and arguably the most famous team in rugby history, based with us here in Darlington during a Rugby World Cup tournament is something quite special - a once in a life time opportunity, perhaps.

"Fundamentally, as a grassroots club, we must thank all of our members, supporters and volunteers for their continued support throughout the club’s journey. We are the only grassroots club to have secured a major nation, and the excitement and appreciation of having the greatest players in the world within our ranks will not go amiss, I am sure.

"A thank you must also go to Darlington Borough Council and the local RFU for their underpinning support. We will be working closely with both partners as we approach the World Cup to provide an array of chances for the region to join in the celebrations and legacy."

The eighth installment of the competition gets underway at Twickenham on September 18 next year, with England up against the All Blacks' fellow FORU outfit, Fiji.