Webb Ellis arrives in Hong Kong

 

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. 

 

On the first day of a two day visit the Trophy visited some of the iconic locations around the city which included the Tian Tan Buddha and Golden Bauhinia Square.

 

On Monday the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Kings Park, the home of the Hong Kong Rugby Union, where players from local clubs will have their chance to see the iconic Trophy.

 

Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring the Webb Ellis Cup to Hong Kong which has a strong Rugby tradition. 

 

"The team came close to qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2015 but were defeated by Japan for the Asia spot and then lost out to Uruguay in the repechage semifinals.

 

"We are looking forward to the visit for what will be a celebration of rugby.”

 

On Tuesday the Trophy will visit King George V School where former England Sevens captain, Ollie Phillips, will take pupils from a number of local schools for a training session.

 

Then later the Webb Ellis Cup will be guest of honour at a reception hosted at the British Consulate-General in association with The GREAT Britain Campaign, and attended by people from the local Rugby community.

 

Marking the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup in Hong Kong, the British Consul-General Caroline Wilson said: “The UK is proud to be hosting Rugby World Cup in 2015 and we are looking forward to welcoming fans from around the world to what will be a fantastic spectacle of Rugby."

 

The 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.