Phil Vickery (35) visited Dunedin in May as part of a pre-tournament tour of New Zealand, describing Otago Peninsula as "paradise" and the city as "buzzing with all the students".
However, it was the Forsyth Barr Stadium - to be known as Otago Stadium during the World Cup - which captivated his interest.
"I think the atmosphere there on a match day is going to be phenomenal," said Vickery, who will work as a co-commentator during the tournament.
"And from a player's point of view, the surface was amazing. It's a mix of artificial and natural grass, which will play hard and fast," he said in an article for the Daily Mail.
"The England lads will love it. It all got me thinking that this is a great model for the northern hemisphere.
"It could really change the way leagues and timings happen. You won't have to worry about the elements at all."
Vickery said he enjoyed the chance to be a tourist in New Zealand, because when he was touring with England or the Lions "we were always training, playing".
"I was there to do a job."
Vickery spent a day on Otago Peninsula and "that totally blew me away".
"I could have spent days there, surrounded by the ocean and the wind. It was paradise. We saw penguins and seals, and they had no fear, it was just a real privilege."
And his final message to rugby fans in the United Kingdom?
"They've had a tough time with the earthquake in Christchurch but don't think for a second that's areason not to visit.
"Go and watch the rugby but have a holiday, too. It's such a beautiful place."
Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton said the article was one of many to be published prior to the tournament, when thousands of English supporters were expected to come and support their team.
"To have this continual build-up about this region as a terrific place to host has to influence travel decisions to stay longer.
"It is great for the city."
Otago Stadium will host three England games, including its opening game against Argentina on September 10.
Phil Vickery on. -
Forsyth Barr Stadium: "The atmosphere on match day is going to be phenomenal."
Dunedin: "The town itself was great. Really buzzing with all the students."
Otago Peninsula and Natures Wonders: "I could have spent days there, surrounded by the ocean and the wind. It was paradise. We saw penguins and seals, and they had no fear. It was a real privilege."
