The 2015 Rugby World Cup in England is set to create 12,000 new jobs and provide the UK economy with a £2.2bn boost, according to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

Visiting the home of English rugby, Twickenham Stadium, yesterday, Clegg said the event will mark another milestone in the nation’s “Golden Decade of Sport” – following on from the London 2012 Olympics and last year’s Commonwealth Games and Grand Depart of Tour de France.

“We all remember the incredible success of London 2012 and the 2014 Grand Départ,” he said. “They both left a legacy that the whole country can be proud of.

“This year, we have the privilege of hosting the Rugby World Cup and it promises to the biggest ever for English rugby.

“Not only will it bring billions of pounds to our economy and create thousands of jobs but it will leave a lasting legacy, building on the work here at the Twickenham Academy, inspiring youngsters from every background to pick up a ball.”

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) expects that more than 400,000 rugby fans will arrive in the UK during the event in September.

The tournament will be held across 11 different cities and 13 different venues.