The Webb Ellis Cup arrives in Romania
Rugby’s most prestigious prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, has arrived in Bucharest 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. 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. Previous destinations have included Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE, China and Italy.
On the first day of a two day visit the Trophy visited some of the iconic locations around the city which included the Cantacuzino Palace and Romanian Parliament Building.
This afternoon the Webb Ellis Cup makes its way to the Complexul Sportiv National Lia Manoliu for the excitement of DHL’s Rugby Vs. the World Challenge. Romanian national icon and former World Gymnastics Champion Andreea Raducan will be looking to emerge victorious against Ronan O’Gara, one of Irish Rugby’s greatest ever kickers. The two will battle it out in a duel of poise against power in three unique challenges as they both seek to claim the Rugby Vs. the World Crown in Romania.
This evening the Webb Ellis Cup will be guest of honour at a special reception hosted by the British Embassy which will be attended by people from the local Rugby community.
Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring the Webb Ellis Cup to Bucharest as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. Having featured at every Rugby World Cup, Romania are no strangers to the Tournament. We are looking forward to the visit for what will be a celebration of Rugby.”
Tomorrow morning the Trophy will embark on Land Rover’s latest Least Driven Path, leaving Bucharest for a drive into picturesque Prahova County. Romanian Rugby legend Romeo Gontineac, who after representing his country at four Rugby World Cups coached the side through the 2011 campaign, will accompany the Webb Ellis Cup on a visit to the historic Cantacuzino Castle and on an off-road drive with the backdrop of the scenic Bucegi Mountains.
The Trophy will then proceed to Aurora Băicoi Rugby Club. The first Rugby club established in the area, Aurora Băicoi was founded in 2012 to address the growing local appetite to play grassroots Rugby and now boasts four teams (U10, U12, U14 and U16), which are made up of children who attend local schools. The children will be given the unique chance to see the Webb Ellis Cup as it is taken somewhere it has never been before.
Then the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Colegiul Tehnic Dinicu Golescu, which has seen players such as Valentin Calfeteanu, Andrei Radoi and Catalin Fercu go on to play for the national team. The visit to the school will be an opportunity for the future generation of Romanian Rugby players to see this iconic Trophy. In the evening the Webb Ellis Cup will visit the home of Romanian Rugby at Arcul de Triumf Stadium where it will be joined by players from the Superliga clubs.
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. Romania is in Pool D with France, Ireland, Canada and Italy. They will play their matches at the Olympic Stadium and Wembley Stadium in London, Leicester City Stadium and Sandy Park in Exeter.
The remaining tickets are on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com, with some currently available for Romania’s match against Ireland on Sunday September 27 and the match against Canada on Tuesday October 6.
Coordinating Manager of the Land Rover brand in Romania, Mihai Ivanescu, said: “Our visit to Aurora Băicoi Rugby Club is perfectly in keeping with the Least Driven Path activity that has been conducted around the world as Land Rover is giving those who would never otherwise see the Webb Ellis Cup the chance to do so. The club’s values of excellence and social inclusion, allowing any child of any ability to be involved with the game, resonate with Land Rover, which is championing all levels of the game from the grassroots to the pinnacle of the game at Rugby World Cup 2015.”
Managing Director for DHL International Romania, Daniel Kearvell, said “DHL Express Romania is delighted to be hosting the Webb Ellis Cup in Bucharest. Rugby is a natural partner for DHL, given our shared values of speed, passion and teamwork, and we are proud to be continuing our association with Rugby World Cup as Logistics Partner in 2015. In Romania, DHL has a long-standing relationship with the national team, as sponsors and supporters since 2011. We look forward to delivering an exciting few days in Bucharest with our special guest!”
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