The Rugby World Cup trophy is coming to Manchester as part of its tour of the United Kingdom ahead of the highly anticipated 2015 tournament.
England Rugby 2015 announced that the Webb Ellis Cup will embark on a 100 day tour of the UK and Ireland in the countdown to the start of the tournament from June 10.
And Debbie Jevans, former Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015 who stepped down for personal reasons later on Friday, was delighted to announce that between July 25 and 27, Manchester will be able to get a glipse of the trophy at The National Football Museum, Salford, The Central Library, or Broughton Park RFC.
She said: “The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 is on and fans can now really begin to plan their tournament experience, be it through watching the matches, through Fanzones, the Festival of Rugby and the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.”
Manchester’s Albert Square will play host to one of 15 Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Fanzones when the tournament kicks off in England in September.
The 8,000 capacity Fanzone will be open from October 9-11 around England’s October 10 clash with Uruguay and will show a number of live matches on a big screen.
Over a million people are expected to visit the 15 Fanzones nationwide during the tournament and Manchester City Councillor Rosa Battle believes Albert Square will be the perfect venue.
“Excitement is already building for this year’s Rugby World Cup and the Fanzone is going to be the perfect place to take in the games and enjoy the festive atmosphere with like-minded sports fans,” said the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure.
“Boasting a selection of events across the weekend the Fanzone is going to be a must-visit destination for everyone, whether they’re going to the big game or just want to watch the match in style.”
England are among the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup 2015 and start their campaign on September 18 against Fiji at Twickenham.
Further information can be found here.
Image courtesy of England Rugby, via YouTube, with thanks.
