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Rugby fans who have been waiting a number of years for their favourite game to be turned into a video game have snapped up every single copy of Jonah Lomu's Rugby Challenge, two days before the game is officially released.

MCV reports that both XBox 360 and PS3 gamers have taken up the game's day one allocation through pre-orders, suggesting that it will feature highly when next week's games charts are revealed.

This comes despite the fact that a rival rugby game, Rugby World Cup 2011, was released to coincide with the start of the sport's flagship competition - although it was plagued by negative reviews.

While not fully licenced, Rugby Challenge does feature the Aviva Premiership, Tri Nations, Quad Nations and the Bledisloe Cup, as well as versions of the Six Nations and World Cup.

Alternative Software MD Roger Hulley said: "We’ve been overwhelmed by the response.

"Our entire allocation of console stock has been snapped by stores, so for the time being, when it’s gone, it’s gone. All pre-orders have been fulfilled, and there’s more on the way - but we’re urging those who are eager to get their hands on the best rugby simulation ever to not leave it too long."

Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge is released on PS3 and Xbox 360 on October 14, with the PC version arriving on October 21.

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