North West of England bids farewell to the Webb Ellis Cup

•    The Webb Ellis Cup visited events across the North West during seven day visit from July 23 – July 29
•    The Trophy has now arrived in the North East for a five day visit

The Webb Ellis Cup has completed its journey through the North West of England, visiting a variety of Rugby clubs and giving thousands of people the opportunity to be inspired by the most prestigious prize in the sport.

The Trophy began its journey in the North West in Cheshire where it visited Sandbach Rugby Club for a junior Rugby competition before joining some Rugby-themed garden displays at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Chester City Centre was the next stop on Day 43 of the Trophy Tour where hundreds of people had the opportunity to have their pictures taken. The iconic Chester Racecourse then hosted the Trophy as well as an evening of Rugby celebrations featuring mixed local teams.

B-roll film from the North West and rights-free images are available to download here.

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Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, Steve Brown, said: “The reception the Webb Ellis Cup has received throughout the North West has spurred on excitement for the Tournament in September, particularly as Manchester City Stadium gears up to host England during Rugby World Cup 2015. The Trophy Tour, with support from the RFU, Rugby heroes and event owners throughout the region, has seen people from all backgrounds come together in a celebration of Rugby as we count down to the Opening Ceremony on September 18.”

From Cheshire, the Trophy arrived in Manchester for a four day visit, starting with an appearance at the National Football Museum where it was viewed by hundreds of people. Sale Sharks player Joe Ford and former England and Sale player Hendre Fourie were on hand to greet the Trophy and also accompany it later in the day to Bowdon RUFC where over 500 people lined up to snap a photo with the Webb Ellis Cup.

Day 46 saw the Trophy visit Eccles RFC, a Rugby club in the heart of the community that gave the Webb Ellis Cup a warm welcome, before the Tour headed back into central Manchester where the famous cobbles of Coronation Street hosted the Trophy to mark the third day of the Trophy’s stay in city.

On Monday July 27, Day 47 of the Trophy Tour, the Webb Ellis Cup was star attraction at Manchester Central Library where it was joined by former England and Sale Sharks player Mark Cueto as well as Stephen Brown, Managing Director of England Rugby 2015. The Trophy then visited Manchester City Stadium, Host Venue for England’s final Pool A match against Uruguay, where Cueto and Brown addressed an audience of Rugby fans who also took the opportunity to have their photos taken alongside the Trophy.

The Trophy travelled to the Rock Shopping Centre in Bury on Day 48 where over 700 people enjoyed a flash mob featuring a Rugby choir and performance of the traditional Maori Haka by members of the Ngati Ranana Maori Club joined by Bury schoolchildren. RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont was also in attendance and happy to pose alongside the Webb Ellis Cup and members of the public for photos. The next stop for the Tour on Day 48 was Liverpool St. Helen’s Rugby Club for a Tag Rugby competition, closely followed by a visit to the iconic statues on Crosby Beach in the afternoon alongside hundreds of children from local Rugby clubs. In the evening, the Trophy rose to giddy heights as it went to the top of Blackpool Tower and was on display in the Ballroom, where Paralympic Silver Medallist Shelly Woods also joined the celebrations.

On its final day in the North West, the Trophy visited the stunning scenery of the Lake District and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Bill Beaumont, England Rugby 2015 Ambassador and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 winner Maggie Alphonsi and England Rugby 2015 Board Member Ian Metcalfe took part in the climb as well as a lineout overlooking Wast Water.

Alphonsi noted the reaction when people came face to face with the Trophy: “”One of the rescuers carried the Webb Ellis Cup on their back up Scafell Pike – they’re used to carrying heavy items! I’m not sure they trusted me with it! As we made our way up the hill we met quite a few people out walking who wanted their photos taken with the Trophy. People get overwhelmed when they see the Trophy because most of them would never otherwise get the chance to see it.”

Workington Rugby Club in Cumbria hosted the final Trophy Tour event in the North West with a festival of Rugby including activities and entertainment for the hundreds of people present.

The Trophy has now arrived in the North East where it marked 50 Days to Go until Rugby World Cup 2015. The milestone was celebrated with a visit to Hadrian’s Wall to kick off a five day visit in the region.
The Webb Ellis Cup is embarking on a 100 day journey around the UK and Ireland. Visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/trophytour for further information

For more information about tickets, visit: tickets.rugbyworldcup.com