Rugby’s most prestigious prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, has arrived in Shanghai for a two day visit as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.
The Trophy Tour is visiting 15 countries over 12 months as part of a celebration of Rugby in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2015. Previous destinations have included Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA and the UAE. The Trophy has arrived from a two day visit to Hong Kong and will visit a number of locations in and around the city.
Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring the Webb Ellis Cup to Shanghai. With Rugby a developing sport in China, I hope the visit of the Trophy Tour will help spread the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2015 and increase awareness of the game.”
Rugby World Cup, the third largest global sporting event behind the Olympics and Football World Cup, takes place in England and Cardiff next year between September 18 and October 31. The Tournament will be hosted in 13 venues in 11 cities across the country. The remaining tickets are on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.
The Trophy Tour, which is the first time Rugby’s most coveted prize has been showcased around the world, is being delivered in partnership with Land Rover and DHL – two long supporters of the Game and Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners.
Land Rover Global Ambassador Lawrence Dallaglio today took the Webb Ellis Cup to Shanghai Rugby Football Club, the largest multinational Rugby club in China. Here Dallaglio helped run a training session for 70 children from a number of local schools, whilst sharing some Rugby tips and insights with local coaches.
Dallaglio, a Rugby World Cup winner with England in 2003, commented: “It has been a wonderful experience bringing the Webb Ellis Cup to Shanghai Rugby Football Club and to witness the excitement of so many children at seeing the Trophy. Land Rover’s activity will hopefully inspire the children to continue playing the game as they grow and if some of the skills on display here today have been anything to go by that would be great news for Chinese Rugby.”
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour forms a major part of Land Rover’s commitment to developing all levels of Rugby around the world and Land Rover is a driving force in increasing the popularity of the game amongst young people in China. The Land Rover China Youth Rugby Development Programme, established under the “Sports for All” pillar of The Jaguar Land Rover China Children & Youth Dream Fund, is a key CSR programmes this year, working with local partners, including teachers and coaches, to access vulnerable young people in inner city areas to deliver sports and personal and life skills training. It is expected to benefit three to four thousand Chinese children, who will benefit from improved access to educational resources, sports training and English instruction.
Regional President of Jaguar Land Rover Greater China, Bob Grace, added: “Land Rover is proud to be helping England Rugby 2015 grow the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2015 by giving new audiences the opportunity of seeing the Webb Ellis Cup. While there is undoubtedly an increasing popularity for Rugby here in China, the exposure to the wider Rugby world is perhaps limited so to bring a new generation of Rugby stars closer to the game’s biggest prize allows Land Rover to continue to build on that passion. Rugby training teaches young people about team work, responsibility, discipline and respect. This is why we have initiated the Land Rover China Youth Rugby Development Programme, which is designed to improve the athletic ability and physical fitness of Chinese children, cultivate their passion for sports, and promote the values of respect, hard work, and the development of a positive attitude towards life through Rugby.”
In Shanghai DHL presents another world first, pitting Rugby against the ancient martial art of Kung Fu. Former World Rugby Sevens player of the year, Ollie Phillips, will battle it out with Zhang Yi, a former China national Kung Fu team member and Shaolin fist master. Set in the beautiful art district of Tianzifang at the Hongwu Kung Fu Centre, the contenders will compete in three unique challenges to measure their strength, agility and composure in Rugby’s toughest encounter yet.
Jack O’Neill, Deputy Managing Director China, DHL – Sinotrans International Air Courier Ltd., said, “We are excited to bring the Rugby World Cup Trophy to Shanghai as well as 15 other cities on its international tour, which is the very first time Rugby’s most coveted prize has been showcased in China. As a longtime supporter of the sport and a Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partner, DHL shares the values of speed, passion and teamwork that both our business and Rugby continue showcase around the world.”
Friday the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Xuhui No.1 Primary School where pupils will get a chance to see the Trophy up close. The Trophy will then visit some of the city’s most iconic locations including the China Pavillion and the Pearl Tower.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour itinerary is below:
Thursday December 11
7am – 10am: At each Trophy Tour stop, DHL presents the Rugby vs. the World Challenge, a fun-filled pitch of Rugby against a locally celebrated sport that creates great content to promote the sport and celebrate the run-up to Rugby World Cup 2015. Shanghai promises drama and excitement in a never-before-seen challenge of Rugby against Kung Fu at Hongwu Chinese Kung Fu Centre. World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2009, Ollie Phillips, will represent Rugby in the ultimate contest against former China national Kung Fu team member Zhang Yi. The two competitors will have to show all their strength, composure and agility in three unique challenges to decide who will emerge victorious.
1pm – 4pm: Land Rover visit to Shanghai Rugby Football Club.
Land Rover Global Ambassador Lawrence Dallaglio, a Rugby World Cup winner with England in 2003 and former British and Irish Lions and England captain, will take the Webb Ellis Cup to Shanghai Rugby Football Club, where he will help local Rugby coaches lead a training session for 70 children from a number of local schools. Shanghai Rugby Football Club is the largest multinational Rugby Club in China.
Friday December 12
1.30pm – 4.30pm: The Webb Ellis Cup will visit Xuhui No.1 Primary School where pupils will get a chance to see the Trophy up close
5pm – 8pm: The Webb Ellis Cup will visit iconic locations around Shanghai including the China Pavilion and the Pearl Tower
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