The Webb Ellis Cup builds excitement for Rugby World Cup 2015 with visit to Canada

A visit from the Webb Ellis Cup has started to build excitement in Canada for Rugby World Cup 2015.

The iconic Trophy was in the country as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour and spent two days in Toronto, followed by one day in Vancouver.

In Vancouver, under the shadow of the Rockies, the Webb Ellis Cup visited Capilano RFC where it was joined by members of the First Nation community for a celebration of Rugby. The Trophy was blessed and then Canadian international, Phil Mack, put some budding players through their paces during their first training session of the season.

In Toronto, the Trophy made an inspirational visit to Kew Beach School where pupils were able to get up close to Rugby’s biggest prize, as well as visiting the British Consulate General, the Royal Canadian Military Institute and Niagara Falls.

Land Rover continued its commitment to take the Webb Ellis Cup to locations it has never been before by surprising one of the oldest clubs in Ontario Canada, the Toronto Nomads Rugby Club. Al Charron, the 76-capped Canadian former captain,was on hand to present the Trophy to the club’s younger players who are part of the ‘minis’ programme, giving them the unique opportunity to get close to the greatest prize in Rugby.

Having safely transported the Webb Ellis Cup to Hamilton International Airport on Wednesday morning, DHL hosted their Rugby Vs The World Challenge at the MasterCard Centre the following day. Current National Women’s team prop and Rugby World Cup Runner-Up Laura Russell took to the ice to take on one of Canada’s most successful female athletes, three-time Olympic Ice Hockey champion Jennifer Botterill. In three highly-charged challenges, the pair tested their skills on skates and on the Rugby field in what proved to be the closest ever contest of the series.

The Trophy Tour is approaching the end of its 12 month journey around 15 countries as part of a celebration of Rugby. Previously the Webb Ellis Cup has visited Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE, China, Italy and Romania.  To view the videos click here.

The remaining stops will see the Webb Ellis Cup visit Germany in two weeks’ time followed by a trip to France in May. Then the Trophy will embark on a 100 day journey around the UK and Ireland in the build-up to the start of the Tournament.

This is the first time Rugby’s most coveted prize has been showcased around the world and is being delivered in partnership with Land Rover and DHL – two long supporters of the Game and Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners.

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director of Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The Toronto Nomads was the perfect setting for Land Rover’s latest activity on the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. Land Rover is committed to supporting all levels of the game, from the grassroots to the elite, and giving the young children at the Nomads the opportunity to see the iconic Webb Ellis Cup aligns perfectly with our ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign, which aims to put local clubs at the heart of Rugby World Cup 2015.”

Andrew Williams, CEO of DHL Express Canada, said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed the Webb Ellis Cup to Canada, and given fans the opportunity to build unforgettable memories. We now look ahead to RWC 2015 where Rugby and our Canadian men’s team will once again be on the world stage to showcase the global game and our shared values of leadership, passion and a commitment to excellence. Good luck to them in September!”

Rugby World Cup, the third largest global sporting event behind the Olympics and Football World Cup, takes place in England and Cardiff between September 18 and October 31. The Tournament will be hosted in 13 venues in 11 cities across the country. Canada is in Pool D with France, Ireland, Romania and Italy. They will play their matches at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Elland Road in Leeds, Stadium MK in Milton Keynes and Leicester City Stadium.

The remaining tickets are on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com, with some currently available for Canada’s match against Romania on Tuesday October 6 and against Ireland on Saturday September 19.