Local rugby fans get chance to view Webb Ellis Cup in Swindon (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Local rugby fans get chance to view Webb Ellis Cup in Swindon

THE Webb Ellis Cup, the Rugby World Cup trophy which is going on display around Dorset and Wiltshire next month as part of the nationwide Sweet Chariot Tour, is to make an appearance in Swindon.

This illustrious trophy, lifted by Martin Johnson after England beat Australia in extra time of the World Cup Final in Sydney in November 2003, is being taken on a four-month trek which includes hundreds of events across the county.

And on Saturday April 10, the Swindon Brunel Centre will host the cup before the Dorset and Wiltshire tour comes to an end in Chippenham.

The Rugby Football Union is anticipating that the Sweet Chariot Tour will help raise the profile of the sport, both in traditional rugby-playing areas and in regions currently under-represented in the sport.

The euphoria that followed events in Sydney has been underpinned at grassroots level by the RFU's Rugby Making An Impact Strategy aimed at increasing participation and retention in playing, coaching, officiating and administration.

IMPACT, which stands for Inclusion, Modernisation, Partnership, Appropriate facilities, Club/school links and Training and coaching, is a three-stage blueprint for community rugby in England.

The Dorset and Wiltshire RFU, alongside the RFU, have identified three major events where the cup will be on display, together with an exhibition unit - Salisbury Market Place, Bournemouth Pier and Swindon Brunel Centre.

The Sweet Chariot Tour exhibition unit will give the public an opportunity to kick for World Cup glory in an inflatable kicking cage, score a try and provide a commentary on Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop goal.

There will also be several other rugby displays and competitions to participate in and opportunities for the public to have their photograph taken alongside the cup in front of a backdrop of the Telstra Stadium, giving an impression that they were actually at the game.

World Cup winner and former Salisbury RFC player Richard Hill will also help the Rugby World Cup celebrations begin with the Saracens' player making an appearance at a mayoral reception at the Salisbury Guildhall.

Between these three major events, the cup and stadium backdrop will make shorter visits to the likes of Poole Quay, Trowbridge and Chippenham.

The exhibition unit will be on display at the Swindon Brunel Centre, 9am to 2pm while the cup will also be on display from 9am to 12pm.

For further information on the Sweet Chariot Tour, please visit www.rfu.com and then click on the logo or, alternatively, ring the Community Rugby hotline on 0906 6800805.