A WORLD champion was in Rugby to launch the trophy tour for the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC).
England’s 2014 WRWC winner Maggie Alphonsi welcomed the trophy to the World Rugby Hall of Fame – now the official starting point for all such tours in the future.
The tour will take in more than 100 events across 140 days before the tournament begins at UCD Bowl in Dublin in August.
Maggie said: “It is fitting and exciting that the trophy tour will depart from the birthplace of the game here in Rugby and it is something I am particularly honoured to be a part of.”
Maggie poses for a selfie with students from Rugby High School.
World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, has announced that all future Rugby World Cup, Women’s Rugby World Cup and Rugby World Cup Sevens trophy tours will depart from the sport’s birthplace.
World Rugby Chairman and Hall of Fame inductee Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby has its origins in Rugby town and we are excited that it will provide the destination for the ceremonial departure of all future tours.
“It links recognition of our past to our future.”
The trophy tour will be on show at Ireland’s final Women’s Six Nations match against England on Friday in Dublin.
The trophy tour will visit all 32 counties ahead of the WRWC tournament. The 12-team finals will be held in Dublin and Belfast from August 9-26.
England, the WRWC holders, have been paired with Italy, Spain and the USA in their pool games.
Tickets for WRWC 2017 are on sale. Visit www.rwcwomens.com for more information.
