RWC2015 Trophy tour in Durham

RWC 2015 Trophy Tour

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour came to Durham on the 2nd and 3rd of August. Despite some rain on the 2nd spirits could not be dampened when the cup visited Gateshead Stadium and College facilities.

RWC Angel celebrations On the 3rd the tour started early with a visit to the Angel of the North which provided the perfect backdrop for some memorable photographs.

England legend Jason Leonard who is also the current RFU President and Ollie Phillips joined youngsters carrying the standards of all 20 countries taking part in the competition in the early morning sunshine

From there the cup moved on to Durham University’s Palace Green. Where a competition demonstrating touch rugby was been held. This was refereed by Society referees Ray Sutherland, Mark Appleby and new to Durham from Hampshire Dave Donaldson. The Cathedral and Castle provided an iconic backdrop for the rugby and the photographs in the glorious sunshine which added to the success of the day.

Rugby on the green refs and the RWC Rugby on Palace Green

From Durham the Cup traveled to West Hartlepool RFC who have recently completed the largest legacy build in the country which has provided a fantastic new clubhouse including changing and training facilities as well as the usual social aspects of the bar and function room. Jason Leonard officially open the clubhouse and is sure to remember the great reception that he and the cup were given. The time at West Hartlepool also included a rugby tournament.

Darlington Mowden Park’s Northern Echo Arena was the next stop on the tour. The Arena will be home to the mighty All Blacks as the prepare for their game against Tonga on Friday 9th October at St James’s Park Newcastle. The cup was greeted by youngsters taking part in one of Mowden’s summer rugby camps along with many others including the town’s mayor and mayoress to have their photograph taken with he cup.

The trophy then made its final journey of the day to Barnard Castle where a mix ed touch tournament for 12-18 year old’s was being held as part of the towns festival of rugby celebrations. Durham Referees Mark Wise and Mark Appleby (yes him again!) officiating. That evening Barnard Castle School hosted a celebration dinner which saw England Rugby stars and Barnard Castle School Old Boys Rob Andrew and Rory Underwood join the RFU President, Jason Leonard, dignitaries and others from the local rugby community and businesses.