For more information on the above trophy tour stops, please contact, Nicolmcclelland@rfu.com or gemmacobb@rfu.com.
Week one: World Rugby U20 Championship Trophy tour off to a flying start
Note to editors: Please find a selection of rights-free images from the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy tour here
With less than one month to go until the tournament kicks-off, the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy has begun its tour around the north of England.
Having travelled over 11,000 miles to reach Manchester, leaving the home of title holders New Zealand in December last year, the trophy tour is now in full flight.
It will visit over 70 clubs and schools throughout the Greater Manchester area before arriving on Albert Square for the tournament media launch event on 4 June.
The trophy will cover over 2,000 miles and its tour got off to spectacular start.
Making over 28 stops in just six days, the trophy has visited landmarks across Manchester including the National Cycling Centre and the National Basketball Centre, as well as the city’s iconic Piccadilly Station.
It even made a stop off at Airkix Indoor Skydiving where England Rugby mascot Ruckley took to the skies, trophy in hand!
Along with trained skydivers John and Brad, Ruckley glided through the air for his first skydiving experience.
“We were delighted to welcome the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy” said Airkix General Manager John Rogers. “Keeping careful eye on the trophy was the legendary Ruckley who took to the air and flew like a real Superhero! At Airkix, whether you're aged 4 or 104, we deliver the dream of flight to everyone,.... including bulldogs!”
The tour kicked-off at Sale RFC who will host England as the official training base to the team throughout the tournament.
Commenting on the arrival of the trophy, Minis and Juniors Chairman James Hourihan said: “We were thrilled to have the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy here at our Minis & Juniors Presentation Day. As the official training base for the England team, we
can’t wait for the tournament to kick-off and having the trophy present only enhanced that excitement!”
Myserscough College similarly took advantage of the trophy’s appearance on campus, with rugby mad students posing for pictures in support of the #FutureStarsofRugby, before it made its way to the famous ‘Owd Nells Tavern where, on the hottest day of the year, it basked in glorious Lancashire sunshine. In between, the trophy also made an appearance at St Edward’s College, Liverpool, where pupils and the school’s rugby players caught a glimpse of the silverware.
Week 2 (May 14 -21)
Saturday May 14 Cheshire XV v Yorkshire, Sale FC
Sunday May 15 Ashton-on-Mersey RUFC
Monday May 16 Runshaw College, Leyland
Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield
Tuesday May 17 Cheadle Hulme Schools
Media City
Wednesday May 18 Bramhall High School, Stockport
The County High School, Leftwich
Oldershaw RFC
Thursday May 19
Clare Mount School, Wirral
Media City Palace Theatre Chill Factore
Friday May 20 St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School (Rugby Reading Game) Bolton School
Saturday May 21 Sandbach Festival of Sport Cheshire XV v Lancashire, Sedgley Park Wigan RFC
With tickets from £5 for children and £10 for adults, there’s plenty of opportunity to get behind the #FutureStarsofRugby at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
For more information, including how to buy tickets, visit http://www.englandrugby.com/u20championship
#FutureStarsofRugby